Spatiotemporal gait parameters as a potential outcome measure for CIDP (P7.338)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether changes in gait parameters measured by GAITRite®, an computerized walkway, are detected in CIDP patients following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is caused by autoimmune destruction of peripheral nerve myelin and can manifest as progressive sensorimotor deficits, with many patients reporting weakness or gait deterioration. Treatment with IVIG can improve strength and mobility. Current validated outcome measures include the INCAT disability scale, MRC sum score and handgrip strength. These, however, can be insensitive in patients with impaired gait but normal strength. Identification of gait parameters that can be used as additional outcome measure in CIDP would enhance our ability to monitor disease activity and response to treatment. DESIGN/METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 9 patients with newly diagnosed definite CIDP at baseline and following 3 months of IVIG treatment. Outcome measures included INCAT score, MRC score, grip strength measured with Martin vigorimeter, and spatiotemporal gait parameters including velocity, cadence, step length, step time, double leg support time and stance time using the GAITRite®, a computerized walkway with embedded pressure sensors. RESULTS: Average hand grip strength changed by -10.38± 3.442 Pa (p=0.02). Mean changes in velocity of -20.53±9.38 m/s (p=0.06) and in cadence of -17.54 ±7.70 steps/min (p= 0.05) trended towards statistical significance but were most likely underpowered. Pearson correlation coefficients showed change in MRC score correlated positively with change in velocity (r=0.73, p=0.02) and cadence (r=0.82, p=0.01). There was a negative correlation between MRC sum score and step time (r=-0.73, p=0.03) and stance time (r=-0.67, p Disclosure: Dr. Chin has received personal compensation for activities with Grifols Bioscience as a consultant. Dr. Vo has received research support from Grifols. Dr. Carey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Langsdorf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feuer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Latov has received personal compensation for activities with Baxter, CSL Behring, Merck & Co. Inc., Novartis, Xenoport, and Oncogenex as a consultant.