Apheresis in treatment of the inflammatory demyelinating peripheral neuropathies.

Abstract

The inflammatory demyelinating peripheral neuropathies are recognizable treatable entities within the broad field of diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Most peripheral nerve diseases are still of undetermined causation and have no direct disease-modifying treatment. This paper reviews the diagnostic features of the inflammatory neuropathies, presumed mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the role of apheresis, along with other immunomodulating therapies, in the management of these diseases.