Last modified: 2018-09-09
Abstract
Background: Gullain Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute, mostly demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with varied severity of presentation. There is limited data regarding the clinical and electrophysiological profile in childhood GBS.
Objective: To study the clinical and electrophysiological profile and treatment modalities in variants of paediatric GBS.
Methods: All the patients of GBS of <18 years admitted in National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital from april 2017- March 2018 were evaluated in this observational study. They were subjected to NCS and CSF study, classified into variants of GBS, treated with supportive therapy and IVIG , monitored regularly and transferred to ICU if needed.
Result: Among 42 patients of childhood GBS , M : F was 1.9 : 1. Most of them were within 5-10 years of age. Common presenting features were quadriparesis (78%), pain in affected limbs (68%), swallowing difficulty(21%), nasal intonation(12%), cranial nerve involvement(4%) and others. 54% patient had history of antecedent event and all had protein- cytological dissociation. Majority revealed AMAN variety (57%) followed by AIDP (39%) and AMSAN(4%). 4 patients (13%) required intubation, among them 1 needed tracheostomy. 30 patients received immunoglobulin along with supportive therapy and 75% showed signs of recovery before discharged to home.
Conclusion: Most common age group affected in GBS was 5-10 years, among them axonal variety was predominant. Majority had quadriparesis followed by sensory symptoms during admission and three fourth of them had clinical improvement.