Complications
Rare, and likely to occur in people with oropharyngeal and diaphragmatic weakness or respiratory failure.
Prophylactic intubation to protect the airway in patients with severe swallowing difficulties may be necessary.
Reports have highlighted mild autonomic dysfunction in up to 75% of patients with CIDP.[73][74] However, severe dysfunction is rare and occurs in <10% of patients.
Signs and symptoms can include palpitations, flushing, sinus tachycardia, urinary incontinence and urgency, diarrhoea, impotence, orthostatic hypotension, and altered sweating.
Detailed autonomic testing such as R-R interval testing, Valsalva manoeuvre, tilt testing, and sympathetic skin responses may uncover mild abnormalities in patients suspected of having autonomic involvement.
Severe weakness resulting in quadriplegia is only described rarely.[173]
Long-term complications of quadriplegia include risk of deep vein thrombosis, decubitus ulcers, pain, and contractures.
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