Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Chile: Incidence and Mortality (2013-2019)

Juan Francisco Idiáquez1, Rodrigo Salinas2,3, Gabriel Cea2,3

  • 1Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, j.idiaquez@utoronto.ca.

Neuroepidemiology
|July 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Chile is 1.46 per 100,000, with a 1.7% mortality rate. This rare autoimmune disorder shows a slight male predominance and a high survival rate of 98.3%.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.
  • Incidence rates of GBS vary globally, necessitating regional analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence and mortality rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Chile.
  • To provide epidemiological data on GBS from 2013 to 2019.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of national hospital discharge records.
  • Identification of GBS cases using ICD-10 code G61.0.
  • Calculation of annual incidence and mortality rates, adjusted for population.

Main Results:

  • 1,696 GBS cases identified between 2013 and 2019.
  • Annual incidence rate of 1.46 per 100,000 population.
  • Mortality rate of 1.7% and a survival rate of 98.3%, with a male predominance (58.8%).

Conclusions:

  • GBS incidence in Chile aligns with global averages.
  • The study highlights a high survival rate for GBS patients in Chile.
  • Further research is recommended to investigate factors like rurality and climate influencing GBS.