Risk factors for Guillain-Barré syndrome

In 100 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) reported from 10 metropolitan areas to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) after the 1976-77 influenza vaccination campaign and matched associate or spouse controls, we searched for risk factors for GBS other than A/New Jersey/1976 influenza vaccination and acute respiratory infection. The 47 vaccinated cases recalled influenza vaccination in past years less frequently than did controls (p less than 0.025). Cases and controls did not differ in the number of previous vaccinations or in interval from last vaccination. Cases also gave a history of allergy less frequently than controls. There were no other significant differences.