Guillain-Barré syndrome in pregnancy

A case report of a 23-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in the 31st week of pregnancy.

We present a case study of a patient in the 31st week of pregnancy hospitalized at the University Hospital in Brno for expressed bulbar syndrome, neck muscle weakness, paresthesia of the arms and medical history of diarrhea in the previous week. During hospitalization, there was a rapid progression of symptoms and respiratory failure, requiring orotracheal intubation. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was determined and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated. The pregnancy was terminated in the 32nd week of gestation based on the maternal indication after a completed lung maturation of the fetus.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disease that can rarely occur during pregnancy and puerperium. The syndrome presents a serious pregnancy complication with an uncertain prognosis and risk for both mother and fetus. If the syndrome is diagnosed in time and treated correctly, the prognosis is favorable despite the complicated course.