Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Authors: Richard Loffhagen / Editor: Clifford J Mann / Reviewer: Kaja Rasheed, John Wilson / Codes: A5 / Published: 27/12/2021

This module describes the classical presentations of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).

By the end of this session you will be able to:

  • Describe the classical presentations of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
  • Outline the mimics and differential diagnoses of GBS
  • Describe the established variants of GBS
  • Propose a rationale for the investigation/monitoring of GBS
  • List the complications of GBS and their frequency
  • Explain the current treatment options for GBS
  • Summarise the prognosis for patients with GBS

References:

  1. Guillain, G., Barr, J. and Strohl, A. (1916) Sur un syndrome de radiculo-nevrite avec hyperalbuminose du liquid cephalorachidien sans reaction cellulaire. Remarquessur les characters cliniqueetgraphique des reflexes tendinaux. Bulletins et Memories de la Societe Medicale des Hopitaux de Paris, 40, 1462-1470.
  2. Hughes RA, Cornblath DR. Guillain-Barr syndrome. Lancet. 2005 Nov 5;366(9497):1653-66.
  3. Van der Mech FG, van Doorn PA. Guillain-Barr syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: immune mechanisms and update on current therapies. Ann Neurol. 1995 May;37 Suppl 1:S14-31.
  4. Yang YR, Liu SL, Qin ZY, Liu FJ, Qin YJ, Bai SM, Chen ZY. Comparative proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Guillain-Barr syndrome. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;28(5):737-44.
  5. Li H, Yuan J. Miller Fisher syndrome: toward a more comprehensive understanding. Chin Med J (Engl). 2001 Mar;114(3):235-9. PMID: 11780304.
  6. Hadden RD, Karch H, Hartung HP, Zielasek J, et al. Preceding infections, immune factors, and outcome in Guillain-Barr syndrome. Neurology. 2001 Mar 27;56(6):758-65.
  7. Asbury AK, Cornblath DR. Assessment of current diagnostic criteria for Guillain-Barr syndrome. Ann Neurol. 1990;27 Suppl:S21-4.
  8. Van Doorn PA, Ruts L, Jacobs BC. Clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of Guillain-Barr syndrome. Lancet Neurol. 2008 Oct;7(10):939-50.
  9. Pritchard J. What’s new in Guillain-Barr syndrome? Postgrad Med J. 2008 Oct;84(996):532-8.
  10. Van der Mech FG, Van Doorn PA, Meulstee J, Jennekens FG; GBS-consensus group of the Dutch Neuromuscular Research Support Centre. Diagnostic and classification criteria for the Guillain-Barr syndrome. Eur Neurol. 2001;45(3):133-9.
  11. Hughes RA, Swan AV, Raphal JC, Annane D, et al. Immunotherapy for Guillain-Barr syndrome: a systematic review. Brain. 2007 Sep;130(Pt 9):2245-57.
  12. Hughes RA, Raphal JC, Swan AV, Doorn PA. Intravenous immunoglobulin for Guillain-Barr syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD002063.
  13. Winer JB, Hughes RA, Osmond C. A prospective study of acute idiopathic neuropathy. I. Clinical features and their prognostic value. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1988 May;51(5):605-12.
  14. Van Koningsveld R, Steyerberg EW, Hughes RA, et al. A clinical prognostic scoring system for Guillain-Barr syndrome. Lancet Neurol. 2007 Jul;6(7):589-94.
  15. Hughes RA, Wijdicks EF, Benson E, Cornblath DR, Hahn AF, et al. Supportive care for patients with Guillain-Barr syndrome. Arch Neurol. 2005 Aug;62(8):1194-8.
  16. Appropriate number of plasma exchanges in Guillain-Barr syndrome. The French Cooperative Group on Plasma Exchange in Guillain-Barr Syndrome. Ann Neurol. 1997 Mar;41(3):298-306.
  17. Griffin JW, Li CY, Ho TW, Tian M, Gao CY, et al. Pathology of the motor-sensory axonal Guillain-Barr syndrome. Ann Neurol. 1996 Jan;39(1):17-28.
  18. Mori M, Kuwabara S, Fukutake T, Hattori T. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for Miller Fisher syndrome. Neurology. 2007 Apr 3;68(14):1144-6.
  19. LANDRY, O. (1859) Note sur la paralysie ascendante aigue. Gazette Hebdomadaire Md Chir, 6, pp. 472-474, 486-488.

Leave a Reply