Cardiovascular complications and its relationship with functional outcome in Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS)

Abstract

Background Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is a monophasic disease, characterized by acute, polyradiculoneuropathy. The study was aimed to asses cardiovascular complications in GBS and its relationship with outcome. Material and methods 101 patients were included in the study according to Brighton case definition. All enrolled patients were evaluated as per predetermined algorithm, which included Nerve conduction studies, Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, routine investigations, ECG, 2D Echo, cardiac markers and autonomic function testing. The study protocol was approved by institutional ethical committee. Results The 96 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of patients was 35.75±17.66. 60.4% males and 39.6% were females. Cardiovascular complications were present in 54.2% of patients. The electrocardiogram changes were present in 50%, hypertension in 28.12%, tachycardia in 26.04%, bradycardia in 13.54% and 11.46% patients had fluctuating heart rate. Raised Pro BNP(b-type natriuretic peptide) and Troponin T were present in 26.04% and 3.12% patients respectively. Acute coronary syndrome occurred in 2.08% and heart failure in 2.08% patients. Echo abnormality was found in 8.33% of patients. On univariate analysis, history of preceding infection, Medical Research Counsel sum score, neck muscles weakness, facial nerve involvement, bulbar involvement, respiratory failure, cardiovascular complications, autonomic dysfunction, Nerve Conduction Study (Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy), baseline Hughes score, were significantly (P Conclusion Fair number of patients of GBS developed cardiovascular complications and these complications were associated with poor clinical outcome.