Walsh & Hoyt: Epidemiology and Antecedent or Associated Events

The annual incidence of AIDP ranges from 0.42 per 100,000 population with men affected more than women and Caucasians more than African-Americans. The disease becomes more frequent with advancing age, with a range in various series of 8 months to 81 years (mean, 5074 years). It is the most common cause of acute motor paralysis in both children and in adults. There is no major seasonal difference. There is a significant association with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B35 haplotype and also with recent Campylobacter jejuni infection. About 60% of cases of AIDP occur after systemic viral or bacterial infections, after vaccinations to prevent such infections, or in some other specific settings.