Pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children. This review discusses the heterogeneous presentations of this disorder, the frequency of disease-related complications and the importance of assiduous clinical care in pediatric GBS.

Recent reports have highlighted the variable clinical and neurophysiologic subtypes of pediatric GBS, and emphasized the value of imaging in diagnosis of this disorder.

Diagnosis of pediatric GBS is often delayed because of its variable presentation. Early recognition and treatment decrease long-term morbidity and mortality. Recent research has cast light on the variable presentations and pathogenesis of the numerous subtypes of this condition, and is now focusing upon a better understanding of the natural history of GBS.