Epidemiology of Guillain-Barre syndrome in the province of Quebec

Background: In the province of Quebec, a population-based study of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) was conducted at the time of a mass immunization campaign against meningococcal disease, in 2001. Methods: The study population included residents aged 2 months to 20 years observed from November 1st, 200(1 to December 31, 2002, representing 4 075 465 person-years of observation. GBS cases were identified in the provincial hospital database Med-Echo and medical records were reviewed. Results: Thirty-three incident GBS cases were identified, including 27 cases of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy. The overall GBS incidence rate was 0.8/100 000 person-years, higher in persons aged 1 to 4 years (2.1/100 000) than in those 5 years or more (0.6/100 000). There was a female preponderance and no significant seasonal variation. All patients survived. Conclusion: Results could be used to interpret reports of adverse events associated with the introduction of new vaccines in this age-group in Canada.