Prospective study of children with Guillain-Barre syndrome

Objective. To see the pattern, and outcome of Guillain Barre syndrome in this country. Methods. All the children under fifteen years with final diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome formed the subjects of the study. All children with acute flaccid paralysis were investigated for the underlying cause. The diagnosis of Gullain-Barre syndrome was made on clinical criteria, cerebrospinal findings and the nerve conduction studies. Intravenous immunoglobulins were given to all and only two children needed plasmapharesis. Results. Fifty-two children were seen and constituted 20% of total acute flaccid paralysis cases. Cranial nerves were involved in fifty percent children. Albuminocytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid was seen in 97.5 percent cases. Acute relapse was seen in 11.5%. Seventeen percent required ventilation. The complete recovery was seen in 45 to 282 days (mean 68 days). Three children (5.8%) were left with minimal residual defecit. There was no mortality. Conclusions. The Guillain-Barre syndrome, though is a serious disease, recovery is the rule in children. Very low mortality and morbidity is seen. Immunoglobulins have reduced the length of hospital stay and also reduced the total time for recovery.