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Published on: November 9, 2017
[Guillain-Barre syndrome in children. Report of 39 cases]
Insights
This study on Guillain-Barré syndrome in children found infections often precede paralysis. Most children recovered, but some experienced lasting deficits or died, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.
- Pediatric GBS presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- To identify factors associated with GBS in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 39 pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome cases.
- Review of clinical data, including preceding infections, neurological involvement, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostic studies.
Main Results:
- Infection preceded GBS in 75% of cases.
- Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein (95%) and nerve conduction velocity slowing (100%) were common findings.
- Clinical recovery occurred in 73% of children, with 20% having residual deficits and 7% mortality.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome is often triggered by infections.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes.
- Significant recovery is possible, but residual deficits and mortality remain concerns.
Abstract:
The authors report a retrospective study of 39 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children. Including 23 boys and 16 girls. The mean age was 4 years (14 months to 10 years). A history of infection preceded the polyradiculoneuritis in 75% of cases. The mean duration of extensive phase and of the maximum paralysis was 10 days. A severe respiratory involvement was observed in 9 children and cranial nerve paralysis in 8 children. An early raised cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration was found in 95%. Electrodiagnostic studies, performed in 37 patients, showed nerve conduction velocity slowing in all cases. 28 children (73%) recovered clinically, 8 patients (20%) had residual deficits and 3 patients (7%) died.
