Walsh & Hoyt: Prognosis

Although generally considered benign, 3 to 8% of patients with AIDP die. Complications include respiratory failure, pulmonary emboli, and effects of autonomic dysfunction. Disabling weakness, imbalance, or a loss of sensation persists in another 510%. About 65% of patients have persistent but minor neurologic disturbances, including distal numbness or foot-drop. In some series, only 15% of patients with AIDP experience complete neurologic, systemic, and visual recovery. In addition, some patients experience recurrent signs and symptoms weeks to months after their disease is thought to have run its course.