Brief Answer:
Management of CIDP(Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Peripheral Neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

I have gone through your query and the attached reports.
The investigation reports show XXXXXXX positivity, Lupus anticoagulant positivity, nerve conduction study results are all suggestive of an inflammatory disorder affecting nerves. The clinical presentation and lab reports are all in favor of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Peripheral Neuropathy (CIDP).
CIDP is an inflammatory condition affecting spinal and peripheral nerves and spares the brain.The MRI brain results also show normal brain as expected.

MRI of cervical spine shows disc bulging, which is commonly found in CIDP. Physiotherapy and pain management is the best treatment option.
MRI of the knee shows ligament tear, which is also associated with CIDP. Management is with stabilizing knee using braces, physiotherapy, and surgery if everything else fails.
If your friend finds it difficult to undergo physiotherapy, then proper pain management is the key. Please be advised to follow up with your treating physician for optimal pain management. Initially, NSAIDs like Advil (if not allergic) can be tried. If it is not working, then more potent pain management medications like Hydrocodone need to be tried.
The report shows elevated levels of Total T3 and T4. I would recommend getting a Free t3 and t4 as total t3 and t4 is not diagnostic.
Complete blood count shows decreased all three lineages of cells count. Please be advised to get peripheral smear testing done. Depending on peripheral smear results, a bone marrow biopsy may also be warranted.
Management of CIPD is with long-term steroid therapy for disease suppression.
Acute attacks are treated with pulse steroids, IV Ig therapy, plasmapheresis.
If steroids alone is not effective, another immunosuppressive can be added to the treatment regimen.

Hope I have addressed your concerns here
Please feel free to follow-up with any clarifications you need
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

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Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Biological agents act by inhibiting immune system from causing Inflammation.
Since CIDP is an inflammatory disorder, theoretically Biologic agents should work for treatment of CIDP. However, extensive research has not been done yet on this and we have only limited data available.
There are case reports available stating that biologics like Alemtuzumab have been used successfully in the treatment of CIDP.
It is recommended to use such agents only as a last resort only if treatment with corticosteroids, IV ig fails.
The major concern for using Biologic agents is the risk of infection and reactivation of tuberculosis. So tuberculosis testing needs to be done before starting treatment.

Please be advised to follow up with the treating physician to discuss regarding the use of Biologic agents.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

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