CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY IN A 44-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: ABOUT A CASE

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is the most frequent chronic neuropathy within the group of demyelinating neuropathies. It is characterized by presenting lesions of an autoimmune nature, which mainly affect peripheral nerves and nerve roots. These patients generally present with chronically progressive proximal and distal weakness and sensory dysfunction of all extremities. We present the case of a 44-year-old male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, who was referred by his family doctor and admitted to the medical specialties ward of the Rafael Hernández Regional Hospital in David, Chiriquí; due to a history of approximately 6 months of progressive onset of paresthesia with weakness in the lower limbs associated with spasms and muscle pain, which made it difficult for him to stand and he was unable to walk at the time of admission; He also reported a weight loss of approximately 20 kg in two months. On physical examination, he referred pain when walking, of intensity 8/10 and loss of sensation in the lower limbs, weakness (4/5) of the extension of both limbs and areflexia were observed. A nerve conduction study was requested, which yielded electrophilic findings compatible with sensory-motor polyneuropathy of the axonal type with compromise of sensory fibers. The patient was given treatment with intravenous corticosteroids, gabapentin, and intravenous immunoglobulin.