Diagnosis Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Research Articles

Case report: Encephalitis with Guillain-Barré Syndrome secondary to extensively multi-drug resistant Salmonella infection

Abstract Background This case report presents a highly unusual and challenging medical case involving a 16-month-old previously healthy boy who developed encephalitis followed by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as complications of multi-drug resistant Salmonella infection, despite an initial misdiagnosis of gastroenteritis and outpatient treatment with Cefixime. Methods The patient initially experienced an increase in stool frequency, accompanied by low-grade fevers, which was initially attributed to gastroenteritis. Outpatient treatment with oral Cefixime was started, but the child’s symptoms worsened, ultimately leading to high-grade fevers and an increase in vomiting and loose stools. In light of his clinical deterioration, he was admitted to our hospital with signs of mild metabolic acidosis and elevated inflammatory markers. During his hospitalization, the patient’s condition worsened, with drowsiness, irritability, and a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, prompting concern for brain involvement. Consequently, he underwent lumbar puncture, and neuroimaging, and received high-dose intravenous steroids. Further medical investigations including lumbar puncture and brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which revealed normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and non-enhancing white matter changes in the occipital region, respectively. In addition, a collected blood culture confirmed the presence of extensively multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi and prompted an adjustment of antibiotics to intravenous Meropenem. Due to autonomic dysfunction, the patient was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring and specialized care. While in the PICU, he developed flaccid limb weakness and axial hypotonia. A repeat lumbar puncture was normal, but nerve conduction studies showed features of axonal polyneuropathy diagnosis, consistent with the diagnosis of GBS. To treat the encephalopathy and polyneuropathy, high-dose dexamethasone and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments were initiated, without necessitating respiratory or inotropic support. After receiving these treatments, the patient’s autonomic instability and motor strength improved, prompting his transfer back to the general pediatrics wards. He was treated with a 21-day course of IV Meropenem. Upon discharge, his motor power had returned to normal, and he displayed progress in movement transitions, including the ability to stand and walk independently, albeit with mild gait abnormalities. Results The co-occurrence of encephalitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to Typhoid fever is exceedingly rare. The patient’s origin, with recent travel to Pakistan where extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi prevails, necessitates heightened awareness among healthcare providers. Initial misdiagnosis and inadequate antibiotics treatment may have contributed to encephalitis and polyneuropathy. High-dose dexamethasone and IVIG were pivotal in the patient’s treatment. While Typhoid fever-related neurological complications are infrequent, high-dose dexamethasone offers promise in reducing mortality and mitigating typhoid-induced encephalopathy. Importantly, IVIG is not conventionally employed in Salmonella encephalopalitis but was used due to polyneuropathy and its role in GBS management. Conclusion This exceptional pediatric case serves as a striking example of the possibility simultaneous encephalitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome as rare complications of Typhoid fever. This case report underscores the importance of early diagnosis, prompt management with appropriate antibiotics and caution of possible neurological complications. Furthermore, it calls for further research into the role of high-dose glucocorticoids and IVIG in the management of extensively multi-drug resistant Salmonella infection and its neurological complications.

Validating ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes for Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Taiwan's National Health Insurance Claims Database.

To validate the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Taiwan's insurance claims database. We identified adult patients hospitalized at any Chang Gung Memorial Foundation branch hospital between January 1st, 2017, and December 31st, 2022, with ICD-10 code G61.0 in any of the five discharge diagnosis positions, indicating possible Guillain-Barré syndrome. We then validated the possible GBS diagnosis using data from electronic medical records of the identified patients, based on the diagnostic criteria established by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. We determined the positive predictive values (PPV) of various operational definitions, including the position (primary or other) where the code was recorded in the discharge diagnosis, nerve conduction study (NCS) claims, and / or specific GBS treatments. The final validation cohort of 484 patients with ICD-10 code for GBS in the discharge diagnosis was found to include 368 true GBS patients. Identifying inpatients using only the ICD-10 code for GBS in any of the five positions for discharge diagnosis yielded a PPV of 76.0%. With more restrictive definitions (primary diagnosis only, or requiring additional claims for NCS and/or treatments), the PPV tended to increase, but with fewer true GBS patients identified. Using ICD-10 GBS code in the primary diagnosis plus NCS and treatment claims yielded the highest PPV (98.3%); however, 140 (38.0%) of the true GBS patients were missed using this definition. In contrast, using the ICD-10 GBS code in any position, plus claims for NCS, achieved a relatively good PPV (85.8%) with minimal loss of true GBS patients (13, ie, 3.5%). In Taiwan's NHI claims data, identifying true GBS patients using only the ICD-10 code yielded a PPV of 76.0%; however, adding claims for diagnostic procedure and GBS treatment increased the PPV to 98.3%.

A Suspected case of COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) Induced Guillain Barre Syndrome - A Case Report

The global effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed the rapid development and widespread distribution of various vaccines, including adenovirus-based vaccines such as COVISHIELD. While these vaccines have demonstrated safety and efficacy, rare adverse events have emerged, raising concerns about their use. We present a case report of a 45-year-old female patient who experienced Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) shortly after receiving the COVISHIELD vaccine. The patient's clinical presentation was characterized by the abrupt onset of symptoms within days of vaccination, including weakness, fatigue, and throat discomfort. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to respiratory failure and paralysis, necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A comprehensive examination revealed cranial nerve involvement, cardiovascular symptoms, and progressive motor weakness. Nerve conduction studies confirmed the diagnosis of GBS, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated elevated protein levels. This case report delves into the clinical course, diagnostic challenges, and treatments administered during the patient's hospitalization. We discuss the potential link between COVISHIELD vaccination and GBS, an autoimmune neurological disorder. While the pathophysiology of vaccine-induced GBS remains a subject of debate, this case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. In conclusion, this case underscores the significance of vigilance regarding potential adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccination, such as GBS. Timely recognition and comprehensive management are pivotal in mitigating the impact of such complications. The reporting and monitoring of vaccine-related adverse events continue to be vital components of the ongoing global vaccination campaign.

Neurolymphomatosis mimicking a Guillain–Barré syndrome triggered by COVID‐19 vaccination

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute disorder of the peripheral nervous system, causing flaccid paralysis, areflexia, and variable sensory involvement. Proximal as well distal muscles of the limbs can be involved, and in most severe and advanced cases progresses to respiratory failure and death. GBS is considered an autoimmune disease, and at the basis of the attack at the peripheral nervous system different mechanisms have been recognized, in particular viral infections or other immune stimulations. Cranial nerve involvement in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary central nervous system lymphoma are rare conditions that could present with similar clinical features. Here we present a case of a 36‐year‐old man hospitalized for acute polyradiculoneuritis of the cranial nerves and lumbar roots that arose a 14 days after severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID‐19 2 (Sars‐CoV‐2) vaccination. Most of the main criteria for the diagnosis of GBS were met, including clinical and electrophysiological criteria. Albuminocytologic dissociation and high protein level in cerebrospinal fluid were also found. Therefore, the patient was treated with a cycle of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with notable improvement of symptoms and gradual recovery of motility. A five months later, following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the patient presented with worsening of neurological symptoms and was readmitted to the hospital. He underwent instrumental tests again and was treated with repeated cycles of IVIG and then with a cycle of plasmapheresis without any improvement. In the following 10 days he developed very serious conditions; he was transferred to intensive care unit and deceased after 6 days. The cause of the neurological syndrome was determined only after autoptic analysis, which revealed the presence of primary peripheral nervous system (PNS) DLBCL. The reported case highlights that GBS‐like presentation always requires a careful differential diagnosis, and physicians should also consider the possibility of an occult cancer.

Correlation of Clinical and Electrophysiological Criteria in the Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study.

There are many criteria for diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and the yield of these diagnostic criteria varies. Each criterion requires some laboratory data and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Although supportive laboratory data are reassuring when present in suspected cases of GBS, when absent, they can potentially cause further delay in diagnosis and treatment. There is no gold standard test for the diagnosis of GBS, and there are multiple diagnostic criteria for GBS to date. The aim of the study is to know the sensitivity of different criteria, clinical and electrophysiological, for the diagnosis of GBS and to study the clinical spectrum and electrophysiological spectrum of GBS in our cohort of patients. We studied a total of 43 cases who presented with one or more of the following symptoms: relatively symmetrical and progressive flail-type weakness of more than one limb, with or without ataxia and/or ophthalmoplegia, and were diagnosed with GBS according to clinical criteria at the time of admission to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. GBS mimics were ruled out. In all patients, the demographic data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (if done), and electrophysiological findings fitting into the diagnostic criteria of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Dutch, and Brighton criteria were recorded. The need for assisted mechanical ventilation, neurology intensive care unit (NICU) stay, any complications, and treatment outcome details were recorded in a structured proforma. Most of the patients in our study were in their fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 41.37 years, similar to previous studies from India. Men are more frequently affected compared to women, similar to what has been observed in most studies done previously worldwide. In our study, electrophysiological criteria by Dutch criteria (87.5%), Brighton criteria (87.5%), and NINDS criteria (85.6%) had low sensitivity compared to the clinical criteria. In the present study, electrophysiological criteria proposed by the NINDS, Dutch, and Brighton criteria are less sensitive compared to clinical criteria in diagnosing GBS at early stages. Clinical criteria alone may be useful in resource-poor countries and at peripheral healthcare systems where NCS are not always readily available.

Antibodies in Autoimmune Neuropathies: What to Test, How to Test, Why to Test.

Autoimmune neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of immune-mediated disorders of the peripheral nerves. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are the archetypal acute and chronic forms. Over the past few decades, pathogenic antibodies targeting antigens of the peripheral nervous system and driving peripheral nerve damage in selected patients have been described. Moreover, the detection of these antibodies has diagnostic and therapeutic implications that have prompted a modification of the GBS and CIDP diagnostic algorithms. GBS diagnosis is based in clinical criteria, and systematic testing of anti-ganglioside antibodies is not required. Nonetheless, a positive anti-ganglioside antibody test may support the clinical suspicion when diagnosis of GBS (GM1 IgG), Miller Fisher (GQ1b IgG), or acute sensory-ataxic (GD1b IgG) syndromes is uncertain. Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) IgM and anti-disialosyl IgM antibodies are key in the diagnosis of anti-MAG neuropathy and chronic ataxic neuropathy, ophthalmoplegia, M-protein, cold agglutinins, and disialosyl antibodies spectrum neuropathies, respectively, and help differentiating these conditions from CIDP. Recently, the field has been boosted by the discovery of pathogenic antibodies targeting proteins of the node of Ranvier contactin-1, contactin-associated protein 1, and nodal and paranodal isoforms of neurofascin (NF140, NF186, or NF155). These antibodies define subgroups of patients with specific clinical (most importantly poor or partial response to conventional therapies and excellent response to anti-CD20 therapy) and pathologic (node of Ranvier disruption in the absence of inflammation) features that led to the definition of the "autoimmune nodopathy" diagnostic category and to the incorporation of nodal/paranodal antibodies to clinical routine testing. The purpose of this review was to provide a practical vision for the general neurologist of the use of antibodies in the clinical assessment of autoimmune neuropathies.

Maternal and newborn outcomes in pregnancies complicated by Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. The purpose of our study was to evaluate maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes among pregnancies complicated by GBS. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project- National Inpatient Sample from the United States. ICD-9 codes were used to identify all pregnant women who delivered between 1999 and 2015 and had a diagnosis of GBS. The remaining women without GBS who delivered during that time period constituted the comparison group. The associations between maternal GBS and obstetrical and fetal/neonatal outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression, while adjusting for the confounding effects of maternal characteristics. Of 13,792,544 births included in our study, 291 were to women with GBS, for an overall incidence of 2.1/100,000 births. A steady increase in maternal GBS was observed over the study period (from 1.26 to 3.8/100,000 births, p=0.02). Further, women with GBS were more likely to have pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, OR 1.69 (95 % CI 1.06-2.69), sepsis, 9.30 (2.33-37.17), postpartum hemorrhage, 1.83 (1.07-3.14), and to require a transfusion, 4.39 (2.39-8.05). They were also at greater risk of caesarean delivery, 2.07 (1.58-2.72) and increased length of hospital stay, 4.48 (3.00-6.69). Newborns of women with GBS were more likely to be growth restricted, 2.50 (1.48-4.23). GBS in pregnancy is associated with maternal and newborn adverse outcomes. These patients would benefit from close follow-up throughout their pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Vaccine patterns among older adults with Guillain-Barré syndrome and matched comparators, 2006-2019.

Some vaccines have a small risk of triggering Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder where nerve damage leads to paralysis. There is a CDC precaution for patients whose GBS was associated with an influenza or tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (GBS occurring within 42 days following vaccination). We described vaccine patterns before and after a GBS diagnosis with a matched cohort design in a 20% random sample of fee-for-service Medicare enrollees. We defined the index date as an ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM GBS diagnosis code in the primary position of an inpatient claim. We matched each GBS patient to five non-GBS comparators on sex, exact age, racial and ethnic category, state of residence and the month of preventive health visits during baseline; used weighting to balance covariates; and measured frequency of vaccines received per 100 people during year before and after the index date using the weighted mean cumulative count (wMCC). We identified 1567 patients with a GBS diagnosis with at least 1 year of prior continuous enrollment in Medicare A and B that matched to five comparators each. The wMCCs in the 1 year before the index date were similar for both groups, with a wMCC of 74 vaccines/100 people in the GBS group (95% CI 71, 77). Within 1 year after the index date, patients with GBS had received 26 vaccines/100 people (95% CI 23, 28), which was 41 fewer vaccines than matched non-GBS comparators (95% CI -44, -38). Among GBS patients, 11% were diagnosed with GBS within 42 days after a vaccine. GBS diagnosis has a strong impact on reducing subsequent vaccination even though there is no warning or precaution about future vaccines for most patients diagnosed with GBS. These data suggest discordance between clinical practice and current vaccine recommendations.

Utilizing nerve conduction studies to identify very early Guillain-Barré syndrome and distinguish it from mimics in emergency settings.

Accurately diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in its early stages and distinguishing it from mimics poses challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of an existing electrodiagnostic criterion in very early GBS (VEGBS) for discerning mimics. Additionally, we explored specific electrophysiological abnormalities in VEGBS to design a new diagnostic criterion for more accurate VEGBS diagnosis. We retrospectively identified all patients with flaccid quadriparesis initially suspected of GBS who underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) ≤4 days from symptom onset. We then retrieved their NCS data and applied an existing electrodiagnostic criterion for sensitivity and specificity analyses based on the final discharge diagnosis. Furthermore, we designed a new criterion based on the observed electrophysiological abnormalities that have maximum specificity and at least 50% sensitivity. Among 70 patients suspected of VEGBS, 44 (63%) received a final diagnosis of GBS, while in 26 (37%), the GBS diagnosis was later refuted. Umapathi's definite criterion exhibited a sensitivity of 61.36% and a specificity of 92.31%. The probable and possible groups showed very high sensitivity (90.91% and 100%, respectively); however, specificity was low (57.69% and 30.77%, respectively) in the very early stage. Our proposed criterion demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.64% (CI: 75.44%-96.21%) and a specificity of 96.15% (CI: 80.36%-99.90%). The criterion based on presumed electrophysiological correlates of specific early GBS pathophysiology proved more effective than the existing electrodiagnostic criterion in differentiating VEGBS from mimics.

When Guillain–Barré Syndrome Defies Expectations: A Case of Atypical Features

Abstract Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most common causes of acute flaccid paralysis. In typical GBS, there are no central nervous system (CNS) features. GBS with prominent CNS involvement can be seen in uncommon variants of GBS (such as Miller Fisher Syndrome and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis [BBE]) or rarely, when it coexists with other conditions such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with fever followed by ascending lower motor neuron type paraparesis suggestive of GBS which progressed rapidly to involve the respiratory muscles necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation. The patient had many atypical features, namely, persistent fever, early bladder and bowel involvement, facial twitching, ophthalmoplegia with ptosis, and a comatose state. Based on these clinical features and the investigations done, a diagnosis of GBS with BBE with a possibility of ADEM was made. The patient was managed intensively, but there was no improvement in the neurological manifestations and the patient succumbed to the illness due to ventilator-associated complications.

New chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy/Guillain-Barré syndrome guidelines - impact on clinical practise.

There is no diagnostic biomarker that can reliably detect Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Diagnosis relies upon integrating key clinical characteristics and relevant supportive data. Consequently, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common. Diagnostic criteria have proven valuable resources to improve diagnosis, but are underutilized during routine clinical care. In 2021, the EAN/PNS CIDP criteria was published, and were followed by the EAN/PNS GBS criteria in 2023. Both guidelines utilized GRADE methodology to formulate evidence-based recommendations that are intended to be used by adult and paediatric clinicians across diverse care settings to optimize diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes during routine clinical care. The EAN/PNS GBS and CIDP criteria detail specific clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory features that raise diagnostic confidence, and call attention to diagnostic mimics. The sensitivity of EAN/PNS and other modern criteria to detect GBS and CIDP is high, but utilization during clinical practice is low. Complexity is one factor limiting widespread application. Strategies are needed to optimize criteria adoption during routine clinical care such that GBS and CIDP diagnosis can be achieved with greater speed and accuracy.

Post-Infectious Guillain Barré Syndrome Related to COVID-19: Unusual Case Report

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune mediated inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system that is presumed to be triggered by preceding infections. In the era of pandemic COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), there is an emerging case of para/post infectious GBS associated to COVID-19 that are described worldwide. Here, we report a 55-years-old man who was admitted for fatigue, fever and cough related to covid-19. Later, after disappearing of covid-19 symptoms he began presenting an ascending areflexic tetraparesis. CSF and NCS were in favour of GBS diagnosis, in particular pure motor AIDP subtype. Antigangliosides antibodies were negative. Lumbosacral MRI showed contrast enhancement of cauda equina roots. The outcome was good after receiving intravenous immunoglobulins treatment.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: a comprehensive review.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a potentially devastating yet treatable disorder. A classically postinfectious, immune-mediated, monophasic polyradiculoneuropathy, it is the leading global cause of acquired neuromuscular paralysis. In most cases, the immunopathological process driving nerve injury is ill-defined. Diagnosis of GBS relies on clinical features, supported by laboratory findings and electrophysiology. Although previously divided into primary demyelinating or axonal variants, this dichotomy is increasingly challenged, and is not endorsed by the recent European Academy of Neurology (EAN)/Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) guidelines. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange remain the primary modalities of treatment, regardless of the electrophysiological subtype. Most patients recover, but approximately one-third require mechanical ventilation, and 5% die. Disease activity and treatment response are currently monitored through interval neurological examination and outcome measures, and the potential role of fluid biomarkers is under ongoing scrutiny. Novel potential therapies for GBS are being explored but none have yet modified clinical practice. This review provides a comprehensive update on the pathological and clinical aspects of GBS for clinicians and scientists.

Guillain-Barre syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report and literature review

Guillain-Barre syndrome rarely develops after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and only a few reports exist in China. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute and life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment. A patient with acute myeloid leukemia underwent allogeneic HSCT for >5 months and gradually developed limb muscle weakness and limited eye movement after coexisting with delayed acute intestinal graft-versus-host disease. After the examination of cerebrospinal fluid and electromyography, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome was confirmed. After a high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment, muscle strength gradually recovered, and the prognosis was good.

Evaluating algorithms for identifying incident Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Medicare fee-for-service claims

ObjectiveClaims data can be leveraged to study rare diseases such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a neurological autoimmune condition. It is difficult to accurately measure and distinguish true cases of disease with claims without a validated algorithm. Our objective was to identify the best-performing algorithm for identifying incident GBS cases in Medicare fee-for-service claims data using chart reviews as the gold standard. Study design and settingThis was a multi-center, single institution cohort study from 2015 to 2019 that used Medicare-linked electronic health record (EHR) data. We identified 211 patients with a GBS diagnosis code in any position of an inpatient or outpatient claim in Medicare that also had a record of GBS in their electronic medical record. We reported the positive predictive value (PPV = number of true GBS cases/total number of GBS cases identified by the algorithm) for each algorithm tested. We also tested algorithms using several prevalence assumptions for false negative GBS cases and calculated a ranked sum for each algorithm's performance. ResultsWe found that 40 patients out of 211 had a true case of GBS. Algorithm 17, a GBS diagnosis in the primary position of an inpatient claim and a diagnostic procedure within 45 days of the inpatient admission date, had the highest PPV (PPV = 81.6%, 95% CI (69.3, 93.9). Across three prevalence assumptions, Algorithm 15, a GBS diagnosis in the primary position of an inpatient claim, was favored (PPV = 79.5%, 95% CI (67.6, 91.5). ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that patients with incident GBS can be accurately identified in Medicare claims with a chart-validated algorithm. Using large-scale administrative data to study GBS offers significant advantages over case reports and patient repositories with self-reported data, and may be a potential strategy for the study of other rare diseases.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an acute immune-mediated neuropathy, occurs following immunological stimulation, such as infection, with complement-mediated neuropathy implicated in the pathophysiology of this condition. Glycolipid antibodies produced by molecular mimicry are detected in approximately 60% of cases. Recent studies have suggested the role of cell-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of GBS. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are established immunotherapies. In this article, based on the latest knowledge, we describe the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prognostic prediction of GBS. Furthermore, we discuss some GBS guidelines published by the European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society.

Evaluation of Apo A IV and Haptoglobin as Potential CSF Markers in Patients with Guillain-Barre´ Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Brain- and blood-derived protein analysis in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) in various studies performed abroad found that some proteins and their isoforms were altered significantly in Guillain-Barre´ syndrome (GBS) patients in comparison to controls. However, data are lacking in India with respect to the blood- or brain-derived proteins in patients of GBS. This study aimed to identify the role of apolipoprotein A IV (Apo A IV) and haptoglobin as potential protein markers in CSF of patients with GBS in our population. The study comprised 28 participants where 12 confirmed cases of GBS and 16 control subjects admitted for non-infectious neurological disorders were recruited after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. CSF glucose, protein, and adenosine deaminase were analyzed using an autoanalyzer. The concentrations of Apo A IV and haptoglobin were estimated with enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The CSF protein concentrations of cases were higher as compared to controls. The concentrations of haptoglobin and Apo A IV were higher in the confirmed cases of GBS as compared to the control subjects, and this difference was found to be significant. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for haptoglobin revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.867 (95% CI: 0.732-1.001), with a sensitivity of 83.8% and a specificity of 63.3%. The AUC for Apo A IV was 0.883 (95% CI: 0.758-1.009), with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 73.3%. Haptoglobin along with Apo A IV can emerge as a potential biochemical marker in CSF for the diagnosis of GBS.

An effective Ayurveda management of Sarvangavata W.S.R. to Guillain–Barre syndrome: A case report

Abstract Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but potentially serious autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Therapies, such as immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis, are considered mainstays of GBS treatment. Ayurveda treatment can potentially offer therapeutic support to GBS patients in enhancing recovery. A 43-year-old male presented to the in-patient department of an Ayurvedic hospital with bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs, accompanied by pain in the left thigh and lower back region, as well as tingling sensations in the ring and middle fingers of the right hand. Following a comprehensive evaluation, including clinical assessment, neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and nerve conduction study, a conclusive diagnosis of GBS was established. Based on the detailed Ayurveda assessment, an Ayurveda diagnosis of Sarvangavata was also made. Upon admission, the patient underwent a comprehensive in-patient treatment regimen spanning 44 days, which included Udwarthana (dry powder massage), Ksharavasti (enema), Sneha Pana (internal administration of medicated oils), Abhyanga (oil massage) and Sweda (sudation therapy), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Samsarjana Karma (diet for restoring Agni)), Vasti (medicated enema), Shirobasti (medicated oil retention in the head), Pizhichil (oil bath therapy), and Nasya (nasal administration of medicine). Following these intensive therapies, the patient was discharged and continued on Samana Ousadha (palliative medication) for ongoing management of symptoms. The patient was routinely followed up for 6 months with routine clinical assessments and the symptoms gradually improved and consistent recovery was noticed. This case study underscores the promising prospects of integrating Ayurvedic principles and treatments into the management of GBS. However, to substantiate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms through which Ayurvedic therapies operate, further investigation and rigorous clinical trials are warranted.

Guillain–Barre syndrome following scrub typhus: a case report and literature review

BackgroundScrub typhus is an acute infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune-mediated peripheral neuropathy with a frequent history of prodromal infections, but GBS associated with scrub typhus is very rare.Case presentationWe report a 51-year-old male patient who developed dysarthria and peripheral facial paralysis following the cure of scfrub typhus. CSF examination and electrophysiological findings suggested a diagnosis of GBS. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient’s neurological condition improved rapidly.ConclusionsScrub typhus infection is likely to be a potential predisposing factor in GBS, while scrub typhus-associated GBS has a favorable prognosis.

Guillain-Barré syndrome after surgery: a literature review.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare postoperative complication that is sometimes characterized by serious motor weakness and prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation. Although the exact nature of the relationship between GBS and the surgical procedure is still unclear, there is a clear increased incidence of GBS in post-surgical patients compared to non-surgical patients. GBS after surgery is unique in several ways. The course of post-surgical GBS unfolds more rapidly than in other situations where GBS develops, the condition is often more severe, and respiratory muscles are more commonly involved. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential, and the condition can worsen if treated inappropriately. Postoperative sedation, intubation, and restraint use make the diagnosis of GBS difficult, as the onset of symptoms of weakness or numbness in those contexts are not obvious. GBS is often misdiagnosed, being attributed to other postoperative complications, and subsequently mishandled. The lack of relevant information further obscures the clinical picture. We sought to better understand post-surgical GBS by performing an analysis of the relevant literature, focusing on clearly documenting the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of GBS that emerges following surgery. We underscore the importance of physicians being aware of the possibility of GBS after major surgery and of performing a variety of laboratory clinical investigations early on in suspected cases.