Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of acute inflammatory polyneuropathy (AIP). The neutral term AIP embraces cases of acute polyneuropathy whether they are postinfective or have the typical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes; it is intended to exclude acute toxic, metabolic, and nutritional neuropathies. Neuropathies associated with collagen disorders or vasculitis also require separate consideration. The incidence of AIP is difficult to assess. Only about 12 cases are seen each year at the National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases in London, but it is possible that some are not referred to neurologists and others are not correctly diagnosed. A population-based study suggested a frequency of 1.6/100,000 per year. Epidemiological studies indicate that the incidence of AIP is equal among the sexes and becomes more common with increasing age. In some series, the onset has been more frequent in late summer and autumn than in winter or spring. Familial occurrence is rare and there is no good evidence of spread of infection from one case to another. No association with any of the serologically defined histocompatibility antigens in the HLA A and B series has been detected.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
