Autoantibodies in the diagnostic work-up of neuropathy: clinically useful or purely academic?

The search for autoantibodies in patients with acute and chronic neuropathies has become widespread in neurological practice. These tests are more routinely available and, therefore, are more commonly requested in larger hospitals with neuroscience centres. However, the clinical value of these frequently expensive tests is often unclear, and their impact on management not always obviously beneficial. This article reviews the main immunological tests used to search for specific autoantibodies in the setting of neuropathy.