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Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with acute hepatitis E
Praful Kamani1, Rajiv Baijal, Deepak Amarapurkar
1Gastroenterology Center, Jagjivanram Hospital, Mumbai.
Summary
This case report details a rare co-occurrence of Guillain-Barre syndrome and acute hepatitis E in a 58-year-old woman. The patient experienced jaundice followed by muscle weakness and facial palsy, highlighting an undocumented clinical association.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is typically self-limiting but can cause liver inflammation.
- Neurological manifestations of HEV are uncommon.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old female patient experienced jaundice followed by progressive muscle weakness and facial palsy.
- The patient exhibited bilateral, symmetrical hypotonic, and areflexic muscular weakness.
- Unilateral infranuclear facial palsy was also noted.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with both Guillain-Barre syndrome and acute Hepatitis E.
- This specific co-morbidity of GBS and Hepatitis E is unprecedented in medical literature.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, previously undescribed association between Hepatitis E infection and the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Further research is warranted to explore the potential pathogenetic mechanisms linking Hepatitis E virus and GBS.
- Clinicians should consider GBS in patients presenting with neurological symptoms following Hepatitis E infection.