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{{Guillain-Barré syndrome}}
{{Guillain-Barré syndrome}}


{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editors-In-Chief:''' [[Priyamvada Singh|Priyamvada Singh, MBBS]] [mailto:psingh13579@gmail.com]
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Fs}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
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==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==


It was first reported by Landry in 1859 as a case study of 10 patients with ascending paralysis. Later the characteristic features of the disease like [[flaccid paralysis]], [[areflexia]] and [[CSF]] findings were reported by Guillain, Barré, and Strohl. The syndrome was later named Guillain-Barré syndrome after these physicians.
The disease was first described by the French physician [[Jean Landry (physician)|Jean Landry]] in 1859. In 1916, [[Georges Guillain]], [[Jean Alexandre Barré]] and Andre Strohl diagnosed two soldiers with motor weakness, [[areflexia]] and a the key diagnostic abnormality of increased [[spinal fluid]] [[protein]] production, but normal cell count. Later, it was called Guillain-Barré syndrome after them. GBS is also known as [[acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy]], acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, acute idiopathic polyneuritis, French Polio and Landry's ascending paralysis.


==Classification==
==Classification==


There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, [[acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy]] (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an [[ascending paralysis]] noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of [[deep tendon reflexes]]. The other less common variants involve [[Miller Fisher syndrome]], [[Acute motor axonal neuropathy]] (AMAN), [[Acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy]](AMSAN), [[Acute panautonomic neuropathy]], and [[Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis]] (BBE).
Guillain Barre syndrome may be classified according to the underlying pathophysiology into four groups: [[Acute motor axonal neuropathy]] (AMAN), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy and [[Miller Fisher syndrome]].


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==


It involves an auto-immune mechanism in which the antibodies formed against the lipopolysaccharides of bacteria or certain vaccines cross reacts with the [[gangliosides]] present in myelin of peripheral nerves. As a result of which, myelin degeneration occurs leading to conduction defects that manifests as [[flaccid paralysis]].
The exact pathogenesis of Guillain Barre syndrome is not completely understood but in 2/3 of cases there is a history of an infectious disease in the past month.The most common pathogens responsible for these antecedent infections are: [[Campylobacter jejuni]], [[Cytomegalo virus infection|cytomegalo virus]] and [[Hemophilus influenzae]]. It is believed that the main underlying etiology of GBS is an [[Autoimmunity|autoimmune]] reaction due to molecular mimicry. On microscopic histopathological analysis: [[Lymphocyte]] and [[macrophage]] infiltration, [[demyelination]] in AIDP, [[Macrophage]] infiltration and [[axolemma]] disruption in [[Motor fiber|motor fibers]] in AMAN, disruption of both motor and sensory fibers. Little [[lymphocyte]] infiltration in AMSAN and [[Oculomotor nerve]] [[demyelination]] in Miller Fisher type.


==Causes==
==Causes==


The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown. However, it has been associated with an antecedence of minor infections (lung, sinus or diarrhea) with [[campylobacter jejuni]]. It has also been linked to flu vaccine but the incidence is rare.
Guillain Barre syndrome may be caused by [[Campylobacter jejuni]], [[Cytomegalovirus]], [[Haemophilus influenzae|haemophilus influenza]], [[Epstein Barr virus|epstein-Barr virus]], [[Varicella zoster virus]] and [[Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)|HIV-1]].
 
== Differentiating Guillain-Barré syndrome from other diseases ==
Guillain Barre syndrome must be differentiated from: Acute Flaccid Myelitis, adult [[botulism]], infant [[botulism]], [[Eaton-Lambert syndrome]], [[myasthenia gravis]], [[electrolyte]] disturbance, [[organophosphate]] toxicity, [[tick paralysis]], [[tetrodotoxin]] poisoning, [[stroke]], [[poliomyelitis]], [[transverse myelitis]], [[neurosyphilis]], [[muscular dystrophy]], [[multiple sclerosis]] exacerbation, [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] and inflammatory myopathy.


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==


The incidence is approximately 1.2 - 3 / 100,000 persons per year across the world. It is commoner in males compared to female and has two peaks (15-35 years and 50-75 years). Incidence is similar across different races.
[[Incidence]] vary from 0.4 to 4.0 cases per population of 100 000. In previous studies, Guillain-Barre syndrome [[Mortality rate|mortality]] rate was 2.58%. It can happen in any age group but it’s more common in late adolescence. The reason behind this is that immune suppressor mechanisms will decrease with age. It was demonstrated in one study that the incidence rate for whites were 0.44 and for blacks were 0.28 per 100,000, but it seems that despite all of these, the incidence is similar across different races. It is more common among males compared to females. Male to female ratio 1.5:1.


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==


Anyone can develop GBS; however, it is more common among older adults. The incidence of GBS increases with age, and people older than 50 years are at greatest risk for developing GBS. Since 1976, many studies have been done to see if other [[flu vaccines]] may cause GBS. In most studies no link was found between the flu vaccine and GBS. For the most part, the chance of getting very ill from flu is far higher than the chance of getting GBS after getting the '''flu vaccine'''.
[[Risk factor|Risk factors]] in the development of Guillain Barre syndrome include: [[Rabies vaccine]] and swine-flu influenza vaccine.
 
== Screening ==
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Guillain Barre syndrome.


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==


Approximately 80% of patients have a complete recovery within a few months to a year, although minor findings may persist. A patient's outcome is most likely to be very good when the symptoms go away within 3 weeks after they first started. Complications like paralysis, [[respiratory failure]] and [[hypotension]] can be seen in these patients.
The [[Symptom|symptoms]] of Guillain Barre syndrome typically develop 1 to 3 weeks after the Antecedent Infection. If left untreated, 65% of patients with Guillain Barre syndrome will recover with no permanent [[disability]]. 35% of them will not fully recover. 8% of these 35% will die from [[Complications|complication]] and others will have permanent [[Disability|disabilities]].
 
Common complications of GBS include: [[respiratory failure]], [[Autonomic dysfunction|autonomic failure]], bulbar pulsy, [[Deep vein thrombosis]], [[Cardiac arrhythmia]], [[Pain]], [[Urinary retention]], [[Ileus]] and persistent [[fatigue]]


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
=== Diagnostic Study of Choice ===
There is no single diagnostic study of choice for Guillain Barre syndrome, though GBS may be diagnosed based on NINDS criteria established by [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]]: Progressive ascending weakness or [[paralysis]] usually starting from legs, involving are 4 [[limbs]], the [[trunk]], [[bulbar]] and facial muscles, and external ocular muscles and [[Areflexia]] or decreased reflexes in affected limbs.


===History and Symptoms===
===History and Symptoms===
Patient may present with an antecedence of mild infection of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections that may disappear before the onset of weakness. Many patients also give a history of pins and needles sensation before the onset of weakness of limbs. Symmetrical, bilateral, weakness of lower limbs followed by upper limb, trunk and cranial nerve may be seen. Sensory symptoms are usually mild and patients may complain of decreased or increased pain sensation, decreased touch and difficulty walking (loss of position sense) depending on stage and type of GBS. Autonomic involvement in form of urinary retention, constipation and awareness of own's heartbeat can be found. Cranial nerve involvement in form of blurred vision, facial drooping, difficulty in swallowing and speaking can be seen.
Patients with Guillain Barre syndrome may have a positive history of: Prior infection with [[Campylobacter jejuni]], [[Cytomegalovirus]], [[Haemophilus influenzae]], [[Epstein Barr virus|Epstein-Barr virus]], [[Varicella zoster virus]] and [[HIV]]-1, recent vaccination with influenzae or rabies vaccine, limb tingling and [[paresthesia]], lower extremity weakness and muscle pain.
 
Common symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Symmetrical ascending weakness and [[paralysis]], tingling and [[paresthesia]] and pain.


===Physical Examination===
===Physical Examination===


The physical examination findings usually indicates features due to [[autonomic dysfunction]] and [[demyelination]] of [[peripheral nerves]]. Fluctuation in vitals can be seen and may present as hyper or hypothermia, hypo or hypertension, brady or tachycardia. Progressive, symmetric, bilateral, flaccid, ascending paralysis progressing over weeks to days time is the common finding. Hypotonia, hyporeflexia, areflexia can be seen.[[Sensory]] system may be involved but generally it is mild. [[Ataxia]] and difficulty in walking may be seen despite great muscle strength due to involvement of [[proprioception]] and [[oculoparesis]].
Physical examination of patients with Guillain Barre syndrome is usually remarkable for abnormal [[gait]], [[heart rate]] and [[blood pressure]] disturbance, [[ophthalmoplegia]], [[papilledema]], facial [[myokymia]], [[vocal cord paralysis]], [[urinary retention]][[hyperreflexia]] or [[areflexia]], bilateral distal and proximal [[muscle weakness]] and unilateral or bilateral sensory abnormality.


===Laboratory Findings===
===Laboratory Findings===


'''Guillain-Barré syndrome''' ('''GBS''') is usually diagnosed clinically. Lab tests are done to exclude other diagnosis and assess prognosis. The lab tests ordered are basic labs (CBC, ESR), lumbar puncture (GBS has characteristic albuminocytological dissociation), serological markers.
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Elevated [[CSF]] [[protein]] level, normal [[CSF]] [[WBC]] count, normal [[CSF]] cell count (in some cases there is mildly elevated cell count) and serum [[Immunoglobulin G|IgG antibody]] to GQ1b in [[Miller Fisher syndrome]].
 
===Electrocardiogram===


===EKG===
The [[dysautonomia]] seen in Guillian Barre syndrome may lead to some conduction and rhythm disturbances. Findings on an [[ECG]] suggestive of Guillain Barre syndrome include: [[ST segment]] depresion, [[T wave]] inversion, [[QT]] prolongation and [[Tachycardia|Ttachycardia]].


The dysautonomia seen in Guillian Barre syndrome may lead to some conduction and rhythm disturbances. Features of GBS on EKG can be 2nd or 3rd degree conduction block, QRS prolongation and T wave abnormality. However, the EKG changes are non-specific and they act as supportive not definitive diagnostic tools.
=== X-Ray ===
There are no characteristic x-Ray findings associated with Guillain Barre disease.
 
=== Echocardiography/Ultrasound ===
There are no characteristic echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with Guillain Barre syndrome.
 
=== CT Scan ===
There are no  characteristic CT scan findings associated with Guillain Barre syndrome but we can perform CT scan to exclude other etiologies.


===MRI===
===MRI===


MRI may be used as an adjunct to the clinical and Laboratory tests. MRI findings suggestive of Guillian Barre syndrome are anterior and cauda equina nerve root enhancement.
Findings on [[MRI]] suggestive of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Anterior and posterior [[nerve root]] and [[cauda equina]] enhancement.
 
===Other Imaging Findings===
There are no other imaging findings associated with Guillain Barre sydnrome.


===Other Diagnostic Studies===
===Other Diagnostic Studies===


[[Nerve conduction study]] may show prolonged distal latencies, conduction slowing, conduction block, and temporal dispersion of compound action potential in demyelinating cases. Forced vital capacities also help in taking decisions regarding ventilators <ref name="pmid7867285">{{cite journal |author=Teitelbaum JS, Borel CO |title=Respiratory dysfunction in Guillain-Barré syndrome |journal=[[Clinics in Chest Medicine]] |volume=15 |issue=4 |pages=705–14 |year=1994 |month=December |pmid=7867285 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2012-02-24}}</ref>.
Nerve conduction studies and needle [[electromyography]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome and differentiating various sub types. Findings diagnostic of [[demyelinating]] forms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Reduced conduction velocity of [[motor nerves]], increased distal motor latency, increased latency of F wave, conduction block and Temporal scattering. Findings diagnostic of [[Axon|axonal]] forms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Reduced amplitude of distal motor and/or sensory nerve impulses and conduction block of motor nerves.


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===


With prompt treatment of [[plasmapheresis]] followed by [[immunoglobulins]] and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and [[dysautonomia]] are present.
Supportive therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: Respiratory assistance, [[Heart rate]] and [[blood pressure]] monitoring, prevention of [[Thromboembolic disorders|thromboembolic]] complications by [[heparin]], minimal sedation in intensive care units, [[pain]] control and early passive movements. [[Immunomodulators|Immunomodulating]] therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: [[Plasma]] exchange, High dose [[immunoglobulin]] and [[Corticosteroids]].
 
=== Surgery ===
Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of Guillain Barre syndrome.


===Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy===
=== Primary Prevention ===
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of Guillain Barre syndrome.


Following the acute phase, the patient may also need rehabilitation to regain lost functions. This treatment will focus on improving ADL ([[activities of daily living]]) functions such as brushing teeth, washing and getting dressed. Depending on the local structuring on health care, there will be established a team of different therapists and nurses according to patient needs. An occupational therapist can offer equipment (such as wheel chair and cutlery) to help the patient achieve ADL independence. A physiotherapist would plan a progressive training programme, and guide the patient to correct, functional movement, avoiding harmful compensations which might have a negative effect in the long run. There would also be a doctor, nurse and perhaps a speech trainer involved, depending on the needs of the patient. This team contribute with their knowledge to guide the patient towards his or her goals, and it is important that all goals set by the separate team members are relevant for the patient's own priorities. After rehabilitation the patient should be able to function in his or her own home and attend necessary training as needed.
===Secondary Prevention===


==References==
==References==
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Latest revision as of 04:46, 2 January 2019

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Overview

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, autoimmune, polyradiculoneuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is included in the wider group of peripheral neuropathies.

Historical Perspective

The disease was first described by the French physician Jean Landry in 1859. In 1916, Georges Guillain, Jean Alexandre Barré and Andre Strohl diagnosed two soldiers with motor weakness, areflexia and a the key diagnostic abnormality of increased spinal fluid protein production, but normal cell count. Later, it was called Guillain-Barré syndrome after them. GBS is also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, acute idiopathic polyneuritis, French Polio and Landry's ascending paralysis.

Classification

Guillain Barre syndrome may be classified according to the underlying pathophysiology into four groups: Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy and Miller Fisher syndrome.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathogenesis of Guillain Barre syndrome is not completely understood but in 2/3 of cases there is a history of an infectious disease in the past month.The most common pathogens responsible for these antecedent infections are: Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalo virus and Hemophilus influenzae. It is believed that the main underlying etiology of GBS is an autoimmune reaction due to molecular mimicry. On microscopic histopathological analysis: Lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration, demyelination in AIDP, Macrophage infiltration and axolemma disruption in motor fibers in AMAN, disruption of both motor and sensory fibers. Little lymphocyte infiltration in AMSAN and Oculomotor nerve demyelination in Miller Fisher type.

Causes

Guillain Barre syndrome may be caused by Campylobacter jejuni, Cytomegalovirus, haemophilus influenza, epstein-Barr virus, Varicella zoster virus and HIV-1.

Differentiating Guillain-Barré syndrome from other diseases

Guillain Barre syndrome must be differentiated from: Acute Flaccid Myelitis, adult botulism, infant botulism, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, myasthenia gravis, electrolyte disturbance, organophosphate toxicity, tick paralysis, tetrodotoxin poisoning, stroke, poliomyelitis, transverse myelitis, neurosyphilis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis exacerbation, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and inflammatory myopathy.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Incidence vary from 0.4 to 4.0 cases per population of 100 000. In previous studies, Guillain-Barre syndrome mortality rate was 2.58%. It can happen in any age group but it’s more common in late adolescence. The reason behind this is that immune suppressor mechanisms will decrease with age. It was demonstrated in one study that the incidence rate for whites were 0.44 and for blacks were 0.28 per 100,000, but it seems that despite all of these, the incidence is similar across different races. It is more common among males compared to females. Male to female ratio 1.5:1.

Risk Factors

Risk factors in the development of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Rabies vaccine and swine-flu influenza vaccine.

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Guillain Barre syndrome.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

The symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome typically develop 1 to 3 weeks after the Antecedent Infection. If left untreated, 65% of patients with Guillain Barre syndrome will recover with no permanent disability. 35% of them will not fully recover. 8% of these 35% will die from complication and others will have permanent disabilities.

Common complications of GBS include: respiratory failure, autonomic failure, bulbar pulsy, Deep vein thrombosis, Cardiac arrhythmia, Pain, Urinary retention, Ileus and persistent fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for Guillain Barre syndrome, though GBS may be diagnosed based on NINDS criteria established by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Progressive ascending weakness or paralysis usually starting from legs, involving are 4 limbs, the trunk, bulbar and facial muscles, and external ocular muscles and Areflexia or decreased reflexes in affected limbs.

History and Symptoms

Patients with Guillain Barre syndrome may have a positive history of: Prior infection with Campylobacter jejuni, Cytomegalovirus, Haemophilus influenzae, Epstein-Barr virus, Varicella zoster virus and HIV-1, recent vaccination with influenzae or rabies vaccine, limb tingling and paresthesia, lower extremity weakness and muscle pain.

Common symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Symmetrical ascending weakness and paralysis, tingling and paresthesia and pain.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with Guillain Barre syndrome is usually remarkable for abnormal gait, heart rate and blood pressure disturbance, ophthalmoplegia, papilledema, facial myokymia, vocal cord paralysis, urinary retention, hyperreflexia or areflexia, bilateral distal and proximal muscle weakness and unilateral or bilateral sensory abnormality.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Elevated CSF protein level, normal CSF WBC count, normal CSF cell count (in some cases there is mildly elevated cell count) and serum IgG antibody to GQ1b in Miller Fisher syndrome.

Electrocardiogram

The dysautonomia seen in Guillian Barre syndrome may lead to some conduction and rhythm disturbances. Findings on an ECG suggestive of Guillain Barre syndrome include: ST segment depresion, T wave inversion, QT prolongation and Ttachycardia.

X-Ray

There are no characteristic x-Ray findings associated with Guillain Barre disease.

Echocardiography/Ultrasound

There are no characteristic echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with Guillain Barre syndrome.

CT Scan

There are no characteristic CT scan findings associated with Guillain Barre syndrome but we can perform CT scan to exclude other etiologies.

MRI

Findings on MRI suggestive of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Anterior and posterior nerve root and cauda equina enhancement.

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated with Guillain Barre sydnrome.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography may be helpful in the diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome and differentiating various sub types. Findings diagnostic of demyelinating forms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Reduced conduction velocity of motor nerves, increased distal motor latency, increased latency of F wave, conduction block and Temporal scattering. Findings diagnostic of axonal forms of Guillain Barre syndrome include: Reduced amplitude of distal motor and/or sensory nerve impulses and conduction block of motor nerves.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Supportive therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: Respiratory assistance, Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, prevention of thromboembolic complications by heparin, minimal sedation in intensive care units, pain control and early passive movements. Immunomodulating therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: Plasma exchange, High dose immunoglobulin and Corticosteroids.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of Guillain Barre syndrome.

Primary Prevention

There are no established measures for the primary prevention of Guillain Barre syndrome.

Secondary Prevention

References

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