From the Research
Lewis Summer Syndrome is a recognized medical condition, also known as the asymmetric variant of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The term Lewis Summer Syndrome refers to a specific medical condition, which is a variant of CIDP, characterized by asymmetric onset and multifocal demyelinating neuropathy with persistent conduction block 1.
Key Features of Lewis Summer Syndrome
- Asymmetric onset, often affecting the upper limbs
- Multifocal demyelinating neuropathy with persistent conduction block
- Electrophysiologically characterized by the presence of motor conduction blocks in arm nerves
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels are raised in about 40% of cases
- Mildly raised anti-GM1 antibody titers are rare
Treatment of Lewis Summer Syndrome
- Over 80% of treated patients respond to treatment
- Intravenous immunoglobulins may be more effective than steroids 1
- Other treatment options include corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and immunosuppressant agents 2, 3
Prognosis
- The prognosis is favorable in 40% of patients who eventually stabilize without treatment 1
- The upper-limb-onset variant is significantly less likely to spread to other limbs and may be less likely to have raised CSF protein levels It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, as Lewis Summer Syndrome can be challenging to diagnose and manage 2, 4, 5, 1, 3.