Guillain — Barré syndrome following asymptomatic COVID-19 in an adolescent: a clinical case

Abstract

Guillain — Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease that occurs with an approximate incidence of 1.7 cases per 100,000 children in the pediatric population. The gender difference in the prevalence of the disease is characterized by a 20% greater vulnerability of boys than girls. The exact cause of Guillain — Barre syndrome is unknown; however, it can occur after respiratory infection by Haemophilus influenzae, recent or ongoing Campylobacter jejuni infection or poliovirus. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some reported Guillain — Barré diagnoses among adults following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The article describes a clinical case of an adolescent girl who was admitted to the Regional Municipal Non-Profit Facility “Chernivtsi Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital” with signs of flaccid paraplegia of the lower extremities, pelvic dysfunction and paraparesis of the upper extremities after she had suffered a sudden severe pain syndrome. She had previously been diagnosed with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2. Initial complex investigations were as follows: high white blood cells count, elevated levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein and D-dimer, low SARS-CoV-2 IgM level and positive IgG titer, high levels of protein in spinal fluid. Electroneuromyography findings and nerve conduction test of lower extremities showed decreased M amplitude and H reflex response. The patient received oxygen therapy, hemodynamic support, cardiac support (infusions and inotrope therapy), gradual antibacterial therapy and was administrated with intravenous normal human immunoglobulin. She was also treated with a short course of parenteral glucocorticoids, vasoactive neurometabolites, nootropics, anticholinesterases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with physical therapy and massages. The patient began demonstrating slow but positive improvement in her limb motor functions and sensitivity within one month.