Fatigue in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

In this study we aimed to better understand fatigue in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as it relates to disease activity status.

Patients with probable or definite CIDP were stratified into active CIDP or CIDP in remission. Assessments of fatigue, physical impairment, disability, sleepiness, sleep quality, and depression were collected.

Of the 85 patients included in the study, 46 (54%) had active disease, whereas 39 (46%) were in remission. Fatigue was substantial in both groups, but was more severe in the active group. Use of sedating medications was a major contributor to fatigue. Sleep quality was poor in both groups, whereas depression more commonly affected those with active CIDP. Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment disability, poor sleep quality, and higher level of depression had the greatest effect on fatigue severity.

Fatigue is common in CIDP regardless of the disease activity state. Minimizing sedating medications, improving sleep quality, and managing depression may improve CIDP-associated fatigue.