European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: GBS is a potentially life-threatening condition and medical emergency. It is a commonest cause of acute post infectious flaccid paralysis worldwide. GBS can result in serious complications that require immediate assessment and management as hospitalized patients. So in this study we aimed to study the clinical features, outcome and prognosis of GBS affected patients.
Materials and methods: A cross sectional study that included a total of 30 patients confirmed with guillain barre syndrome diagnosis during the study period of one and half year. Details pertaining to study population such as age, sex, personal history, socioeconomic status, past infectious history, relevant family history, seasonal preponderance, comorbidities and physical examination findings were collected. All relevant investigations were performed.
Results: GBS occurs in all age groups with a greater incidence in the 31-40 years age group. Male predominance was observed in the ratio of 4:1. Ascending type of paralysis, facial nerve involvement, autonomic dysfunction are most commonly seen in GBS with a predominant proximal muscle weakness. Respiratory failure occurs in 1/3rd of patients in GBS. Cranial nerve dysfunction occurs in 33.33% of patients in GBS. Rapid progression from onset to peak paralysis, prolonged duration of peak paralysis, need for ventilatory support and severity of paralysis are the factors associated with poor prognosis in GBS. Mortality in GBS is 27%. Delayed onset of recovery from paralysis, requirement of mechanical ventilatory support are significant prognostic factors of outcome in GBS.
Conclusion: Meticulous clinical examination helps to determine the severity of the patient. Early diagnosis and determination of subtypes have an important role for prognosis prediction. Observation of ICU patients for features of autonomic dysfunction is important to alleviate serious consequences.