Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Adults and Children: Differences in Clinical Features

Mahmoud Moaness Elbialy, Mansoura University, Neurology Department, EgyptFollow
Maha H. Khalil, Mansoura University, Neurology Department, Egypt
Khaled Fathy, Mansoura University, Pediatrics Department, Egypt
Hossam Egila, Mansoura University, Neurology Department, Egypt

Subject Area

Neuropsychiatry

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease (AID) affecting peripheral nervous system (PNS) stimulated by either infectious (such as Campylobacter jejuni, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection) or noninfectious factors. It may occur at any age, and it is the commonest etiology of acute flaccid paralysis in pediatrics. Patients present with progressive and symmetric muscle weakness with absent or depressed deep tendon reflexes and might also have sensory manifestations such as Paresthesia in the hands and feet, dysautonomia and cranial nerve affection such as facial palsy or bulbar affection Aim: This study assessed the difference in clinical features of GBS between pediatric and adult patients and assessed correlation between age and prognosis. Methods: This study included 84 Subjects (42 adults and 42 pediatrics) diagnosed as Guillain barre syndrome. The functional impairment was assessed by the GBS disability scale according to Richard and Hughes and by the The Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment overall disability sum score (INCAT ODSS). Muscle weakness was assessed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score. Results: there was no statistically significant difference between studied groups as regard CSF chemical analysis abnormality in the form of cyto-albuminous dissociation (p value =0.09 ) and causes of preceding infection and other risk factors such as covid 19 vaccine ( p value 0.07 ) . Pain was statistically significantly higher among pediatric than adult cases ( p value = 0.37 ) . A statistically significant higher autonomic affection ( p value = 0.039 ) detected among adult than pediatric group. There was a statistically significant difference of ODSS leg and total score with higher mean value among adult than pediatric cases ( p value = 0.28 and p value = 0.04 respectively ) . pediatric cases had better prognosis and less GBS disability scale after treatment in comparison to adult cases (p value =0.001) Conclusion: GBS symptoms were different in children from that in adults, Some symptoms were more common in adults such as paresthesia, cranial nerve affection and autonomic symptoms with shorter interval to admission. While in children, pain was a more common symptom with longer interval from onset to admission. GBS occurred in adults and children after upper respiratory tract infection, GIT infection or even in some cases after receiving Covid-19 vaccine. In general, both groups had favorable prognosis, but children had better prognosis than adults.

Recommended Citation

Elbialy, Mahmoud Moaness; Khalil, Maha H.; Fathy, Khaled; and Egila, Hossam (2024) "Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Adults and Children: Differences in Clinical Features," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 54 : Iss. 3 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1411