GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME (GBS): A REVIEW

Hemal Tandel*, Jigar Vanza, Nilima Pandya, Parva Jani

ABSTRACT

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a very rare immune mediated disorder which is associated with demyelination of peripheral nervous system and progressive muscle weakness that occurs mostly in previously healthy individuals. It usually presents with ascending paralysis and is severe enough to warrant hospital admission for its management. The incidence of GBS is 1.1-1.8 cases in 100,000 per year and the incidences increases with age. GBS clinical spectrum is heterogeneous and encompasses Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP), Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN), Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) and Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS). The disease is typically characterized by a rapid onset of symmetrical limb weakness, which progresses over days to 4 weeks, and occurs in patients of all ages. Most patients also have sensory disturbances such as tingling or dull feelings. In developed countries GBS has become the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis. Despite improved recognition and treatment, GBS continues to be a severe disease. Efficacious treatments include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange but supportive care during and following the hospitalization is also very much crucial.

Keywords: Miller Fisher Syndrome, Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), Intravenous immunoglobulin, ganglioside antibodies.