GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME;

Abstract

Background: Guillian Barre Syndrome is a polyradiculopathy characterized by symmetric ascending paralysis andareflexia. It affects all age groups and both sexes with an unpredictable outcome. Objectives: The aims of this study were to identify thevarious diseases presenting as Acute Flaccid Paralysis and notice clinical features and outcome of cases of Guillian Barre Syndrome.Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 53 patients presenting as Acute Flaccid Paralysis was done. Clinical features andlaboratory investigations of 39 patients of Guillian Barre syndrome were reviewed. Results: Among all cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis,Guillian Barre syndrome formed the bulk of the cases (73.6%).It was more common in females and in age group of 10 years or below. Inmajority of the cases, rapid onset of weakness was the initial symptom. Mortality was 100% in patients who had respiratory muscleinvolvement and who required mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: In our study the main factor causing death in a case of Guillian Barresyndrome was bulbar involvement requiring mechanical ventilation. Early recognition of the prognostic factors may lead to decreasedmortality in case of Guillian Barre syndrome.