[Guillain-Barré syndrome: development of concepts]

The features initially described by Guillain et Barré have been updated through the proposal of precise criteria even if a number of questions remain. Hundred of works have contributed to the evolution of these concepts. This paper is a summary of several opinions: 1. From nerve inflammation (lesions have been progressively analysed) to dysimmunity (with a combination of humoral and cellular dysimmunity), 2. The most frequent initial factors seems Campylobacter Jejuni with particular clinical correlations, 3. The acute axonal form assessed by some, contested by others, 4. Several varieties among which the Miller Fisher syndrome associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies almost constantly, 5. The treatment presently plasma exchanges and immunoglobulines infusion. In spite of the great number of papers devoted to Guillain-Barré syndrome a number of questions remain, and none among the varieties recently described, is unanimously acknowledged. However the plasma exchanges and mainly the intravenous immunoglobulines have a positive effect in the severe forms.