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Prospective study of children with Guillain-Barre syndrome
Roshan Lal Koul1, Amna Alfutaisi
1Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos, Oman. roshankoul@hotmail.com
Insights
Guillain-Barre syndrome in children shows a favorable outcome, with most recovering fully. Intravenous immunoglobulins significantly reduced recovery time and hospital stays, demonstrating effective treatment for this neurological disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.
- Understanding the specific patterns and outcomes of GBS in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological patterns and clinical outcomes of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children within a specific country.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment modalities, particularly intravenous immunoglobulins.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving children under fifteen diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (albuminocytological dissociation), and nerve conduction studies.
- Treatment primarily involved intravenous immunoglobulins, with plasmapheresis used in select cases.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two pediatric cases of GBS were identified, representing 20% of acute flaccid paralysis cases.
- Cranial nerve involvement occurred in 50% of patients; 97.5% exhibited albuminocytological dissociation.
- Complete recovery was observed in most patients (mean 68 days), with a low incidence of residual deficits (5.8%) and no mortality.
Conclusions:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome in children, while serious, typically has a good prognosis with recovery being the norm.
- Intravenous immunoglobulins are effective in reducing both hospital stay duration and overall recovery time.
- Low mortality and morbidity rates underscore the importance of timely and appropriate treatment in pediatric GBS.
Objectives:
To see the pattern, and outcome of Guillain Barre syndrome in this country.
Methods:
All the children under fifteen years with final diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome formed the subjects of the study. All children with acute flaccid paralysis were investigated for the underlying cause. The diagnosis of Gullain-Barre syndrome was made on clinical criteria, cerebrospinal findings and the nerve conduction studies. Intravenous immunoglobulins were given to all and only two children needed plasmapharesis.
Result:
Fifty-two children were seen and constituted 20% of total acute flaccid paralysis cases. Cranial nerves were involved in fifty percent children. Albuminocytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid was seen in 97.5 percent cases. Acute relapse was seen in 11.5%. Seventeen percent required ventilation. The complete recovery was seen in 45 to 282 days (mean 68 days). Three children (5.8%) were left with minimal residual defecit. There was no mortality.
Conclusion:
The Guillain-Barre syndrome, though is a serious disease, recovery is the rule in children. Very low mortality and morbidity is seen. Immunoglobulins have reduced the length of hospital stay and also reduced the total time for recovery.
