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Risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination

A Patja1, M Paunio, E Kinnunen

  • 1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 15, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination does not cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This study found no increased risk or causal link between MMR vaccine and GBS onset in Finnish individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neurology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder.
  • The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely administered.
  • A potential association between MMR vaccination and GBS has been investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential causal relationship between MMR vaccination and the incidence of GBS.
  • To determine if MMR vaccine administration increases GBS risk.

Main Methods:

  • An active retrospective study design was employed.
  • Linked nationwide hospital discharge records with individual vaccination data in Finland (1982-1986).
  • Included all patients hospitalized for GBS during the study period.

Main Results:

  • No increase in GBS incidence was observed following MMR vaccination.
  • No temporal clustering of GBS cases occurred after vaccination.
  • The time interval between MMR vaccination and GBS onset exceeded the established 6-week risk period in all cases.
  • Preceding respiratory or gastrointestinal infections were common before GBS onset.

Conclusions:

  • The study found no evidence to support a causal association between MMR vaccination and GBS.
  • MMR vaccination does not appear to increase the risk of developing GBS.

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