Residual signs in severe Guillain-Barré syndrome: analysis of 57 patients

The residual signs in a group of seriously paralyzed Guillain-Barré patients are reported (follow-up 2-24 years) and the social effects of the illness are discussed. Thirty-five percent of the patients had recovered completely at the time of the follow-up examination, 35% had minimal residual motor signs and 30% had a moderate or severe residual paresis. The most serious residua were found distally in the legs. Muscles innervated by nerves running along an entrapment site had the most severe deficits. Sensory signs were present in 49% of the patients. More than half of the patients considered themselves to be cured. The others were more or less handicapped by their sequelae. Of the adults, 60% resumed work, 25% found a less demanding job and 15% did not return to work. Statistically significant correlations were found between the degree of residual motor deficit and the severity of the weakness in the acute phase, the duration of the plateau phase or the duration of the artificial ventilation.