Guillain-Barré Syndrome Research Articles (Page 1)

Association of interleukins 17A and 22 levels and their common genetic polymorphisms in Guillain Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Grasping the "Rarity" of Outbreaks.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune polyneuropathy causing progressive weakness, loss of reflexes, and sensory or autonomic dysfunction. It often follows Campylobacter jejuni infection due to molecular mimicry between microbial and nerve antigens. GBS affects 1–2 per 100,000 people annually, mainly males and older adults. Subtypes include AIDP, AMAN, AMSAN, and Miller Fisher syndrome. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs, CSF analysis, and nerve conduction studies. Early treatment with IVIG or plasma exchange improves outcomes, though some patients face lasting disability or death. Supportive care, physiotherapy, and new immunotherapies enhance recovery, while infection prevention helps reduce risk.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen of acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review focuses on the progress of RSV vaccine development, especially subunit vaccines targeting the fusion protein (F) and attachment glycoprotein (G), aiming to summarize key strategies, challenges, and future directions in the field. Methods: The review is based on a comprehensive literature search and analysis of recent studies on RSV vaccine development, with a specific focus on subunit vaccines and related technologies. Results: Approved vaccines such as Abrysvo and Arexvy utilize structural engineering to stabilize the prefusion conformation of the F protein (PreF), thereby exposing neutralizing epitopes. Subunit vaccine candidates such as DS-Cav1 and DT-PreF enhance stability through disulfide bonds and dityrosine linkages, while ADV110 targets the conserved domain of the G protein to elicit cross-strain immunity. Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines like IVX-A12 combine RSV and human metapneumovirus antigens to provide broad-spectrum immunity. However, challenges exist, including maintaining PreF stability, overcoming immunosenescence in the elderly, and addressing safety concerns like Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Conclusions: Future RSV vaccine development should center on combined PreF-G protein vaccines, VLP technology, and optimizing cold-chain logistics to improve global accessibility and overcome existing challenges, thereby providing more effective prevention and control of RSV infections.

Diagnostic and therapeutic potential of resolvin D1 in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract Introduction The inflammatory myopathies are a group of diseases that involve chronic muscle inflammation, muscle pain and weakness. There are four main types which includes polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy. Clinically, there is often a diagnostic challenge with distinguishing inflammatory myopathy from other neuromuscular conditions. I report the case of a 70-year-old woman presenting with symmetrical weakness and pain, predominantly in the lower limbs as well as shortness of breath thus mimicking a popular neurological emergency. Case description Patient brought from abroad where she was on holiday. She normally resides in Bedfordshire. She presented on account of tingling sensation and weakness in both lower limbs ascending to her upper limbs with preceding diarrhoea 2 weeks earlier. Managed for suspected Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and was on intravenous immunoglobulin prior to transfer. Admitted at an enhanced care ward and managed as? GBS, FVC – 1.4L, specialists invited, managed for possible GBS. Normal tone in lower limbs, absent knee and ankle reflexes. Power in both knees- 2/5. Power in both hips- 1/5. Upper limbs- Sensation intact, 3/ 5 power in shoulders and elbows. Rest of upper limb examination was normal. Neurology requested bloods, lumbar puncture, imaging and 4 hourly FVCs as well as EMG/NCS. Eventually, we got investigation results which revealed no xanthochromia, CK elevated to 25, 053 at which point we had to reconsider a different diagnosis- myositis? cause and started on IV fluid. Statin held. EMG/ NCS- Findings are consistent with inflammatory myopathy. She was then confidently stepped down to the ward and rheumatology review was requested. Rheumatology reviewed, requested investigations including further bloods and MRI of the thighs which showed bilateral multi compartment mild to moderate oedema, predominantly in a proximal distribution in both thighs and pelvis, and to a milder extent in the proximal lower legs suggestive of widespread myositis/ polymyositis. ANA and RF were also positive. She was then commenced on pulsed IV methylprednisolone commenced with good response to treatment, stepped down to oral prednisolone 60 mg for 2 weeks with a weaning plan. Also commenced on mycophenolate mofetil and planned to have a muscle biopsy. Patient and family began itching for discharge as she clinically improved and she was repatriated home to continue care with rheumatology. Discussion Inflammatory myopathy constitutes a heterogeneous group of systemic autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation of skeletal muscles. Inflammation often results in muscle weakness, and may involve the skin, joints, lungs and heart. The diagnosis is mainly based on the clinical, laboratory and pathological examinations. The laboratory findings include elevated serum creatine kinase; positive anti-nuclear antibodies increase the level of suspicion. Myositis specific antigens include anti Jo associated with polymyositis, anti- Mi-2 which is associated with dermatomyositis may be present. Muscle biopsies are often important. Histopathology may show complement mediated microangiopathy with perifascicular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltrates. In several cases, the presenting complaints of inflammatory myopathies often appear like neuromuscular conditions, and this poses a challenge clinically. There is often the need to investigate further to diagnose effectively. Common presenting complaints include muscle weakness often the distal muscles, muscle atrophy, rash, difficulty with swallowing and even shortness of breath. For front line physicians, this presentation as in the above case mimics Guillain Barre syndrome which is a diagnosis no clinician wants to miss out on. In my patient’s case, a preceding history of diarrhea 2 weeks prior to presentation makes a possible diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome even more compelling, classic textbook presentation you might say. IV immunoglobulin was commenced based on the clinical suspicion and this was continued in the hospital. The fact that clinically speaking, it was virtually impossible to differentiate between inflammatory myopathy and GBS is quite striking. It is indeed a clinical conundrum, and it highlights the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation as well as the need for investigations in helping to differentiate them. Key learning points • The need to keep an open mind when it comes to approaching neuromuscular emergencies as it could just be an inflammatory myopathy. • The importance of incorporating multiple disciplines in the care of patients as there is now considerable overlap in the clinical presentation of several conditions. • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory myopathies is crucial in the care and rehabilitation of patients. • Most inflammatory myopathies have good steroid response. Early steroid commencement is key in management.

Salidroside ameliorates experimental autoimmune neuritis by dually modulating neuroinflammation and immune homeostasis via PI3K/AKT signaling.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Variants.

Overlapping Miller Fisher Syndrome, Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome without glycolipid antibodies-a case report and literature review.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) exhibits clinical heterogeneity and variable progression. In low-resource settings, malnutrition and limited treatment worsen prognosis, underscoring the need for a simple prognostic tool. This study evaluated the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) in relation to GBS severity and long-term outcomes, comparing their predictive value with standard prognostic indicators. An observational cohort study of 252 GBS patients enrolled between 2019 and 2024 was conducted. PNI and NRI were calculated using serum albumin, lymphocyte count, and body weight. The GBS-disability score (GBS-DS) assessed baseline severity and 26-week outcomes. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman's ρ, and logistic regression to identify predictors. ROC analysis determined optimal PNI cut-offs, confirmed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves. PNI, unlike NRI, was significantly reduced in severe GBS (GBS-DS > 3) compared to mild/moderate GBS (GBS-DS ≤ 3). PNI correlated with GBS-DS (ρ = -0.62), MRC sum score (ρ = 0.5), hemoglobin (ρ = 0.53), and neutrophil count (ρ = -0.35) (all p < 0.0001). PNI independently predicted disease severity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91; p = 0.036) and 26-week outcomes (OR = 0.93; p = 0.033). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.769 for severity and 0.719 for 26-week outcomes. PNI cut-offs of 49.395 and 45.72 predicted severe GBS and long-term poor outcome, respectively. Kaplan Meier analysis confirmed patients with PNI < 45.72 required a longer time to gain independent locomotion (p < 0.0001). Lower PNI, but not NRI, is associated with greater GBS severity and poor long-term outcomes. PNI independently predicted disease severity and 26-week outcomes, with specific cut-offs identifying patients requiring longer recovery, supporting its prognostic utility.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare cause of acute, flaccid paralysis and affects populations around the world, usually in the setting of recent gastrointestinal infection. The myelin sheaths of affected patients are destroyed, and consequently, the disease can manifest variably with the most common complaints including weakness, disturbances in sensation, and pain. Multiple available pharmacotherapies are employed to address disease progression and promote the reversal of symptoms. However, there is no widely accepted guideline detailing tiers of pain management options, despite pain being a significant primary complaint during the acute phase of the disease. To address this, we searched the GBS literature for publications that specifically discussed patient pain, how the pain was managed by the clinician, and how patients responded to various modalities. We discuss the findings of the literature review we conducted, evaluate the expansive list of existing options for treating pain and how they fared in symptom resolution, and draw conclusions based on our observations of which interventions addressed patient pain effectively and which were less successful. While general management of GBS, including treatment and efforts towards symptom reversal, has been robustly discussed in the literature, our work stresses the lack of research towards pain management in GBS and emphasizes the need to fill the gap in patient care for patients with this disease.

While confirmatory syphilis tests are highly specific, conflicting or transient results, as seen in this case, can pose significant diagnostic challenges. This report details the case of a 43-year-old female diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) who subsequently exhibited transient serological reactivity for syphilis following intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. The patient presented with acute progressive weakness consistent with GBS, for which she received a five-day course of IVIG, leading to complete clinical recovery. Post-IVIG, screening revealed a weakly reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test and a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test. Subsequent repeat testing showed a non-reactive VDRL but persistently positive TPPA, followed by complete seroreversion of both tests two months later, confirming the absence of syphilis. This case underscores the crucial need for cautious interpretation of syphilis serology in patients who have recently received IVIG, highlighting the potential for false-positive results due to passive antibody transfer and emphasizing the importance of clinical correlation and serial testing to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

ABSTRACTThis descriptive observational study based on post‐marketing surveillance data evaluates adverse events following immunization (AEFI) associated with the TAK‐003 (Qdenga®) vaccine. Conducted in Dourados, Brazil, between January and November 2024, the study aimed to assess the frequency, nature, and severity of AEFI to inform public health strategies. Secondary data were obtained from the e‐SUS Notifica system, including demographic information, vaccination dates, and details of AEFI, which encompassed immunization errors and adverse events. These adverse events were classified by severity, type, and temporal distribution. Statistical analysis included incidence rates, temporal trends, and correlation analyses using SPSS software. Among 124,483 administered doses, 88 AEFI were reported, yielding an incidence rate of 70.69 per 100.000 doses. Most events (49.00 per 100.000 doses) were Nonserious, including headache, fever, and rash. Serious AEFI were rare (6.42 per 100.000 doses), with two cases of grade 1 anaphylaxis and two Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) cases. Women (71.01%) and individuals aged 30–39 years (82.06 per 100.000 doses) were the most affected. Twenty seven Immunization errors were reported for 30.68% of AEFI, often linked to gaps in training. TAK‐003 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, consistent with clinical trial findings, characterized predominantly by mild, self‐limiting adverse events, with serious adverse events occurring infrequently. These findings underscore the importance of enhanced training protocols, robust surveillance systems, and timely reporting to optimize vaccine safety and maintain public trust.

Unilateral Peripheral Facial Palsy is Often the First Manifestation of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a life-threatening neurological emergency and the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis in the post-polio era. While extensively studied in stable healthcare systems, its impact in conflict-affected regions remains underrecognized. This paper highlights GBS as a neglected but significant health crisis in war-torn settings, where collapsing sanitation systems, overcrowded shelters, and widespread infections act as key triggers. Data from recent humanitarian emergencies, including Gaza, reveal rising incidence and mortality due to inadequate surveillance, scarce diagnostic capacity, and lack of access to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis. Unlike high-income countries where timely ICU care keeps mortality under 5%, patients in low-resource conflict zones often experience prolonged disability or death. Addressing this disparity requires practical, low-cost interventions such as early recognition training for frontline workers, provision of essential supportive care, and international advocacy for humanitarian supply corridors. Remote digital consultations and safe patient evacuation can further enhance outcomes. Incorporating GBS into humanitarian response frameworks is an urgent necessity to reduce preventable neurological deaths. By bringing attention to this overlooked emergency, the manuscript underscores the moral and medical imperative of ensuring equitable neurological care during crises.

Severe forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) may result in prolonged mechanical ventilation in ICUs. Data on weaning from mechanical ventilation are scarce, and our objective was to assess ventilator weaning characteristics in a large-scale multicenter study. Multicenter retrospective cohort study including all patients intubated for at least 48 h for GBS or MG over a 10-year period (from January 2014 to December 2023). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients having experienced prolonged weaning (at least 7 days). Some 886 patients admitted to 47 ICUs in France were retained in the analysis, including 513 (58%) with GBS and 373 (42%) with MG. Patients with GBS were more likely to experience prolonged weaning than those with MG (64% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). An extubation attempt was performed in only 46% of patients with GBS and in 88% patients with MG (p < 0.001). Reintubation rates were 26% in patients with GBS and 29% in patients with MG (p = 0.440). Patients with GBS were more likely to undergo tracheostomy than those with MG (57% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Patients with GBS required a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Mortality rates were similar (9.4% for patients with GBS and 9.7% for patients with MG, p = 0.882). Patients with GBS were more likely to experience prolonged weaning and to undergo tracheostomy than patients with MG. More than one-fourth of patients required reintubation after an extubation attempt. Despite prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality remained relatively low.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory autoimmune polyneuropathy that leads to sudden and progressive muscle weakness, often starting in the lower limbs and involving the respiratory musculature. It is the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis in developed countries. The main clinical features include rapidly progressive symmetrical weakness, areflexia, and frequently sensory and autonomic disturbances. Despite the availability of effective therapies such as plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the functional recovery of patients. Timely diagnosis and initiation of rehabilitation are essential for functional restoration. The rehabilitation approach involves individually tailored physical therapy, the use of orthoses, and other assistive devices. The aim of this article is to explore the importance of orthopedic braces as a means of stabilization, gait support, and prevention of complications in patients with GBS. Materials and Methods: This article is based on a review of scientific literature published in international peer-reviewed journals dedicated to Guillain-Barré syndrome and modern rehabilitation strategies. Conclusion: Rehabilitation in Guillain-Barré syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach and early incorporation of orthotic therapy. Orthopedic braces not only stabilize the joints but also facilitate recovery, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Their individualized application is recommended even in the early stages of recovery.

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) at the Neurology Center of Bach Mai Hospital. Subject: We selected 54 patients who were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome from July 1, 2024, to June 31, 2025, at Bach Mai Hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Results:The study included 54 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, with a mean age of 51.2 years; males accounted for 55.6%. The most commonly affected age groups were over 60 years and 31–40 years. The most frequent antecedent event was respiratory tract infection (38.9%), with onset of neurological symptoms occurring within 6 weeks post-infection. The most common initial clinical manifestations were limb weakness (75.9%), cranial nerve palsy (20.4%), and dizziness (14.8%). The mean Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength score was 44.3 at admission, decreased to 34.7 during the acute phase, and improved to 50.1 at discharge. Albuminocytologic dissociation in CSF was observed in 81.4% of patients. The findings highlight that limb weakness is the predominant clinical feature, and albuminocytologic dissociation is a key paraclinical marker in the diagnosis of GBS. Conclusion:This study suggests that Guillain-Barré syndrome tends to occur more frequently in males than females. The most common initial symptoms are tetraparesis and cranial nerve involvement. Albuminocytologic dissociation in CSF was present in the majority of cases, reaffirming the diagnostic value of CSF analysis. Most patients experienced a favorable clinical course and good recovery following treatment, underscoring the effectiveness of current therapeutic interventions.

This review evaluates CRISPR-based strategies for myelin regeneration in peripheral demyelinating disorders, with a focus on Guillain - Barré syndrome (GBS) and Charcot - Marie - Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A). It aims to identify current therapeutic approaches, delivery systems, and gaps in the literature. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2010 onward, following PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was assessed using OHAT and SYRCLE tools, and 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. In GBS, CRISPR interventions primarily targeted antiviral immune regulation (AXL, IFI6, IFNL2), inhibition of viral entry mechanisms (Integrin αvβ5, SPCS1), and Schwann cell repair. In CMT1A, therapeutic approaches focused on correcting PMP22 overexpression. Lentiviral transduction was the most frequently used delivery method, with no major adverse effects reported. However, most studies were in vitro, and only two were in vivo, highlighting the need for further validation in animal models. CRISPR technology shows considerable potential for addressing peripheral nerve demyelination through precise genetic modifications that may enhance Schwann cell function and support myelin repair. Nevertheless, the field remains at an early discovery stage, with no near-term clinical applicability demonstrated.

Background and ObjectivesRecent decades have witnessed the emergence of arbovirus infections, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which are responsible for neurologic complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). To date, it has mainly been demonstrated that these neurologic complications occur concomitantly with infectious processes. We hypothesized that arbovirus infections may also influence the incidence of autoimmune diseases of the central or peripheral nervous system.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational, single-center study conducted between January 2002 and January 2024 at the Cayenne Hospital in French Guiana including patients with autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), GBS, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and myasthenia gravis (MG). This series was compared with the incidence of arbovirus infections recorded by the French Public Health Agency during the same period.ResultsWe observed a significant correlation between dengue infection and the incidence of NMOSD (Spearman rho = 0.88 [p = 0.03]) and MG (Spearman rho = 0.82 [p = 0.048]). GBS was significantly associated with chikungunya (Spearman rho = 0.97 [p = 0.01]), but not with other arbovirus infections. In addition, the mean estimated incidence of NMOSD was high at 5.08 (95% CI 3.03–7.13) per million person-year, approaching the world's highest incidence observed in the French West Indies.DiscussionThis study reports the epidemiology of neurologic autoimmune diseases in French Guiana. We found a high incidence of NMOSD, like that reported in the French West Indies. Multicenter studies involving countries in the tropical zone are needed to better elucidate the relationship between dengue outbreak and NMOSD and MG.