Guillain-Barré syndrome in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving maintenance treatment developed quadriparesis, facial palsy, difficulty in swallowing, and hypertension following a respiratory infection and candida septicemia. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid was normal initially but later showed albuminocytologic dissociation, the characteristic finding of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Complete recovery occurred after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. Differential diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome from vincristine toxicity in patients with leukemia and possible association with the infections are discussed.