Sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome and related disorders: an attempt at systematization

Clinical presentation and symptomatology of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A literature review

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by acute onset ascending paralysis and sensory abnormalities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of GBS, covering its epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management and treatment, prognosis, psychosocial impact, recent advances in research, public health implications, and ethical considerations. Epidemiological data reveal variations in GBS prevalence, incidence rates, and geographical distribution influenced by climate, infectious disease prevalence, and genetic susceptibility. Etiological factors include preceding infections, vaccinations, and autoimmune mechanisms, although the precise pathophysiology remains incomplete. Clinical presentation encompasses prodromal symptoms, motor deficits, sensory abnormalities, autonomic dysfunction, and variants such as Miller-Fisher Syndrome and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis. Neurological examination findings include weakness, paralysis, sensory deficits, and reflex changes, while autonomic dysfunction manifests as cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation relies on clinical criteria, laboratory tests (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve conduction studies), and consideration of differential diagnoses. Management strategies encompass supportive care, immunomodulatory therapies (e.g., intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange), and rehabilitation interventions to optimize functional outcomes and promote recovery. Prognosis varies depending on clinical features, treatment response, and complications such as respiratory failure and autonomic instability. Psychosocial impact encompasses psychological effects on patients and caregivers, highlighting the importance of coping strategies and support systems. Recent advances in research focus on emerging treatments, genetic predisposition, and biomarker discovery, offering promise for improving GBS outcomes. Public health implications include vaccination safety concerns and healthcare system considerations for GBS management. Ethical considerations encompass patient autonomy, resource allocation, and end-of-life decision-making.

Expanding Clinical Spectrum of Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome: A Review

Importance

The discovery of the anti-GQ1b antibody has expanded the nosology of classic Miller Fisher syndrome to include Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome with ophthalmoplegia, and acute ophthalmoplegia without ataxia, which have been brought under the umbrella term anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome. It seems timely to define the phenotypes of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome for the proper diagnosis of this syndrome with diverse clinical presentations. This review summarizes these syndromes and introduces recently identified subtypes.

Observations

Although ophthalmoplegia is a hallmark of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome, recent studies have identified this antibody in patients with acute vestibular syndrome, optic neuropathy with disc swelling, and acute sensory ataxic neuropathy of atypical presentation. Ophthalmoplegia associated with anti-GQ1b antibody positivity is complete in more than half of the patients but may be monocular or comitant. The prognosis is mostly favorable; however, approximately 14% of patients experience relapse.

Conclusions and Relevance

Anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome may present diverse neurological manifestations, including ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia, central or peripheral vestibulopathy, and optic neuropathy. Understanding the wide clinical spectrum may aid in the differentiation and management of immune-mediated neuropathies with multiple presentations.

Rare Sensory Ataxic Variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Case Report

The sensory ataxic variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare subtype, with limited case reports available. We present the case of a previously healthy 26-year-old female university student who presented with bilateral foot numbness and unsteady gait for five days, without limb weakness. There were no signs of infection or recent history suggestive of infection. Examination revealed reduced pain and light touch sensation, as well as proprioception impairment in the bilateral distal lower limb, accompanied by an ataxic gait. Bilateral upper and lower limb power was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed albuminocytological dissociation, while nerve conduction studies indicated unrecordable sensory responses with normal motor responses. Through a comprehensive evaluation of history, examination, and investigations, other potential differential diagnoses were excluded. Then the patient was diagnosed with a sensory ataxic variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Over time, the patient demonstrated gradual improvement and was able to resume her university studies four months after discharge.

Serum C3 complement levels predict prognosis and monitor disease activity in Guillain-Barré syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Biomarkers are needed to predict prognosis and disease activity in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The complement system is a key player in the pathogenesis of GBS. This study aimed to assess the potential utility of serum complement proteins as novel biomarkers in GBS.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 76 GBS patients with C3 and C4 measurements during hospitalization between 2010 and 2021. Clinical outcomes were correlated with baseline serum C3, C4, and seven additional predictors: four existing biomarkers (GM1, albumin, immunoglobulin G, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) and three clinical factors from the modified Erasmus GBS outcome score model. Five complement activation products (C3a, C4a, C5a, soluble C5b-9, factor Bb) were measured in 35 patients and were compared with C3 and C4 levels. Longitudinal changes in C3 and C4 levels were compared with the disease course in 12 patients.

RESULTS

Higher C3, but not C4, was associated with poorer outcomes: lower Medical Research Council sum scores (MRCSS), higher GBS disability score (GBSDS), longer hospitalization, and more frequent treatment-related fluctuations. Age, MRCSS at admission, and baseline serum C3 were significant independent indicators of 1- and 3-month GBSDS. We found that C3 was positively correlated with C3a (r = 0.32) and C5a (r = 0.37), which indicates an activated complement cascade with high C3. Longitudinal change of C3 coincided with clinical severity of the disease course.

INTERPRETATION

This study highlights the use of serum C3 as a novel mechanistic biomarker in GBS. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Atypical Guillain-Barre syndrome with T6 sensory level

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute immune-mediated demyelinating disease. Typical features include progressive ascending lower extremity weakness and areflexia. Several variants have been described that can make the diagnosis challenging. Here, we report a case of GBS presenting with progressive lower limb weakness and T6 sensory level.

Skin Biopsy as a Novel Diagnostic Aid in Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

Immune-mediated neuropathies are a heterogenous group of inflammatory peripheral nerve disorders. They can be classified according to the domain where the autoimmune process begins: the internode, paranode, or node. However, conventional diagnostic tools, electrodiagnosis (EDX), and autoantibody testing do not fully address this issue. In this institutional cohort study, we investigated the value of dermal myelinated fiber analysis for target domain-based classification. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with immune-mediated neuropathies underwent skin biopsies. The sections were stained with antibodies representative of myelinated fiber domains and were scanned using a confocal microscope. Clinical and pathological features of each patient were reviewed comprehensively. Quantitative morphometric parameters were subjected to clustering analysis, which stratified patients into 3 groups. Cluster 1 ("internodopathy") was characterized by prominent internodal disruption, intact nodes and paranodes, demyelinating EDX pattern, and absence of nodal-paranodal antibodies. Cluster 2 ("paranodopathy") was characterized by paranodal disruption and corresponding antibodies. Morphological changes were restricted to the nodes in cluster 3; we designated this cluster as "nodopathy." This report highlights the utility of skin biopsy as a diagnostic aid to gain pathogenic insight and classify patients with immune-mediated neuropathies.

[A case suspected Sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome subsequent to Campylobacter jejuni enteritis]

A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with severe plantar pain, 7 days after the onset of Campylobacter jejuni enteritis. On admission, extremity strength and the deep tendon reflex were normal; however, there was difficulty in walking owing to plantar pain. Motor nerve conduction test showed no abnormalities. No spinal cord protein cell dissociation. Lumbar spine-enhanced MRI showed a 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae nerve root contrast-enhanced effect. Gabapentin was effective in minimizing her pain, eventually enabling the patient to walk. Antiganglioside antibody tests on admission showed multiple positive results. Six months after the initial onset of symptoms, she had recovered completely. She was suspected with sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS subsequent to Campylobacter jejuni enteritis has been recognized as an acute motor axonal neuropathy; hence, this report is considered to be valuable.

New classification of autoimmune neuropathies based on target antigens and involved domains of myelinated fibres

Autoimmune neuropathies are named by eponyms, by descriptive terminology or because of the presence of specific antibodies and are traditionally classified, on the basis of pathology and electrophysiology, as primary demyelinating or axonal. However, autoimmune disorders targeting specific molecules of the nodal region, although not showing pathological evidence of demyelination, can exhibit all the electrophysiological changes considered characteristic of a demyelinating neuropathy and acute neuropathies with antiganglioside antibodies, classified as axonal and due to nodal dysfunction, can present with reversible conduction failure and prompt recovery that appear contradictory with the common view of an axonal neuropathy. These observations bring into question the concepts of demyelinating and axonal nerve conduction changes and the groundwork of the classical dichotomous classification.We propose a classification of autoimmune neuropathies based on the involved domains of the myelinated fibre and, when known, on the antigen. This classification, in our opinion, helps to better systematise autoimmune neuropathies because points to the site and molecular target of the autoimmune attack, reconciles some contrasting pathological and electrophysiological findings, circumvents the apparent paradox that neuropathies labelled as axonal may be promptly reversible and finally avoids taxonomic confusion and possible misdiagnosis.

Sensory Guillain-Barre syndrome following the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine: Report of two cases and review of literature

Massive vaccination against COVID-19 has become a global priority. Simultaneously, concerns regarding the safety of vaccines are growing. We describe two patients who developed sensory Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) shortly after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 vaccine. We also summarize 12 published cases of GBS after ChAdOx1 vaccination, highlighting their unique clinical and paraclinical features. We propose a possible association between the risk of GBS and the ChAdOx1 vaccine and recommend surveillance for GBS following vaccination. Population-based studies are needed to determine causality and whether specific subpopulations are susceptible.

Non-length-dependent small fiber neuropathy: Not a matter of stockings and gloves

The clinical spectrum of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) encompasses manifestations related to the involvement of thinly myelinated A-delta and unmyelinated C fibers, including not only the classical distal phenotype, but also a non-length-dependent (NLD) presentation that can be patchy, asymmetrical, upper limb-predominant, or diffuse. This narrative review is focused on NLD-SFN. The diagnosis of NLD-SFN can be problematic, due to its varied and often atypical presentation, and diagnostic criteria developed for distal SFN are not suitable for NLD-SFN. The topographic pattern of NLD-SFN is likely related to ganglionopathy restricted to the small neurons of dorsal root ganglia. It is often associated with systemic diseases, but about half the time is idiopathic. In comparison with distal SFN, immune-mediated diseases are more common than dysmetabolic conditions. Treatment is usually based on the management of neuropathic pain. Disease-modifying therapy, including immunotherapy, may be effective in patients with identified causes. Future research on NLD-SFN is expected to further clarify the interconnected aspects of phenotypic characterization, diagnostic criteria, and pathophysiology.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, prognosis, pathogenesis, and current and upcoming treatments of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

RECENT FINDINGS

GBS is an acute inflammatory neuropathic illness with striking clinical manifestations and significant morbidity. A substantial proportion of patients with GBS do not respond to current immunomodulatory therapies (ie, plasma exchange and IV immunoglobulin [IVIg]), highlighting the need for new therapies. Prognostic models that can accurately predict functional recovery and the need for artificial ventilation have emerged. These models are practical, and online calculators are available for clinical use, facilitating early recognition of patients with poor outcome and the opportunity to personalize management decisions. Clinical and experimental studies have identified innate immune effectors (complement, macrophage lineage cells, and activating Fcγ receptors) as important mediators of inflammatory nerve injury. Two complement inhibitors are undergoing clinical testing for efficacy in GBS.

SUMMARY

GBS is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in the United States and worldwide. New treatments for GBS have not emerged since the 1990s. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder has progressed, particularly over the past decade; as a result, new therapeutic agents targeting different components of the complement cascade are at advanced stages of clinical development.

The value of sensory nerve conduction studies in the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Electrophysiology plays a determinant role in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) diagnosis, classification, and prognostication. However, traditional electrodiagnostic (EDX) criteria for GBS rely on motor nerve conduction studies (NCS) and are suboptimal early in the course of the disease or in the setting of GBS variants. Sensory nerve conduction studies, including the sural-sparing pattern and the sensory ratio are not yet included in EDX criteria despite their well-established role in GBS diagnosis. The aim of this review is to discuss the diagnostic value of sensory NCS in GBS, their role in establishing the diagnosis and predicting the outcome according to the various subtypes of the disease.

<p>A Rare Case with New Insights: Pure Sensory Guillain Barre Syndrome with Axonal Features</p>

The pure sensory variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome “GBS” is controversial. Scarce case reports in the literature have described pure sensory presentations secondary to acute demyelination of peripheral sensory nerves. Pure sensory GBS secondary to axonal damage is rarer and even more controversial owing to a significant overlap with sensory neuronopathy. A 31-year-old lady with history of a recent primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection presented with acute onset of sensory symptoms and signs involving her four limbs and the trunk, without weakness. Examination was remarkable for severe impairment in all sensory modalities in her limbs and trunk, pseudo-athetoid limb movements, sensory ataxia, positive Romberg’s sign, and areflexia, with no motor involvement. CSF analysis showed elevated protein without pleocytosis known as albuminocytological dissociation. MRI of the spine with contrast showed multiple root enhancement. Nerve conduction studies “NCS” demonstrated absent sensory action potentials, with normal motor nerves responses. Initial electromyography was normal. After differential diagnoses were appropriately excluded, the patient was diagnosed with pure sensory axonal GBS and treated with IVIG for five days. Gradual clinical improvement was seen over the following months, with improvement in six-month GBS disability score down to two. Follow-up NCS showed findings similar to the initial study but follow-up EMG studies revealed denervation potentials in multiple levels, suggesting a subclinical axonal motor involvement and excluding sensory neuronopathy. To our best knowledge, this case represents the first case of pure sensory GBS with onset after a documented primary VZV infection. The findings in this case illustrate the difficulties in diagnosing pure sensory GBS and the significance of an early treatment. It also demonstrates the potential value of follow-up EMGs in excluding sensory neuronopathy as an important differential diagnosis for this condition.

Autoimmune Peripheral Neuropathies and Contribution of Antiganglioside/Sulphatide Autoantibody Testing

Peripheral immune-mediated polyneuropathies (IMPN) are a diverse group of rare neurological illnesses characterized by nerve damage. Leading morphological features are mostly nerve fibre demyelination or combination of axonal damage and demyelination. There has been remarkable progress in the clinical and electrophysiological categorization of acute (fulminant, life-threatening) and chronic (progressive/remitting-relapsing) immune-mediated neuropathies recently. Besides electrophysiological and morphological makers, autoantibodies against glycolipids or paranodal/nodal molecules have been recommended as candidate markers for IMPN. The progress in testing for autoantibodies (autoAbs) to glycolipids such as gangliosides and sulfatide may have significant implications on the stratification of patients and their treatment response. Thus, this topic was reviewed in a presentation held during the 1st Panhellenic Congress of Autoimmune Diseases, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology in Portaria, Pelion, Greece. For acute IMPN, often referred to as Guillain-Barré syndrome and its variants, several serological markers including autoAbs to gangliosides and sulphatide have been employed successfully in clinical routine. However, the evolution of serological diagnosis of chronic variants, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or multifocal motor neuropathy, is less satisfactory. Serological diagnostic markers could, therefore, help in the differential diagnosis due to their assumed pathogenic role. Additionally, stratification of patients to improve their response to treatment may be possible. In general, a majority of patients respond well to causal therapy that includes intravenous immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. As second line therapy options, biologicals (e.g., rituximab) and immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drugs may be considered when patients do not respond adequately.

Diagnosis and management of Guillain-Barré syndrome in ten steps

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but potentially fatal, immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots that is usually triggered by infections. The incidence of GBS can therefore increase during outbreaks of infectious diseases, as was seen during the Zika virus epidemics in 2013 in French Polynesia and 2015 in Latin America. Diagnosis and management of GBS can be complicated as its clinical presentation and disease course are heterogeneous, and no international clinical guidelines are currently available. To support clinicians, especially in the context of an outbreak, we have developed a globally applicable guideline for the diagnosis and management of GBS. The guideline is based on current literature and expert consensus, and has a ten-step structure to facilitate its use in clinical practice. We first provide an introduction to the diagnostic criteria, clinical variants and differential diagnoses of GBS. The ten steps then cover early recognition and diagnosis of GBS, admission to the intensive care unit, treatment indication and selection, monitoring and treatment of disease progression, prediction of clinical course and outcome, and management of complications and sequelae.

Diagnostic insights into chronic-inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated neuropathy with demyelination of nerve fibers as leading morphological feature. The course of disease can be chronic progressive or remitting relapsing. Whereas for acute immune-mediated neuropathies several serological markers have been identified and used successfully in clinical routine, the serological diagnosis of chronic variants such as CIDP has not yet been evolved satisfactory. The typical CIDP and its various atypical variants are characterized by a certain diversity of clinical phenotype and response to treatment. Thus, diagnostic markers could aid in the differential diagnosis of CIDP variants and stratification of patients for a better treatment response. Most patients respond well to a causal therapy including steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. Apart from electrophysiological and morphological markers, several autoantibodies have been reported as candidate markers for CIDP, including antibodies against glycolipids or paranodal/nodal molecules. The present review provides a summary of the progress in autoantibody testing in CIDP and its possible implication on the stratification of the CIDP variants and treatment response.

Unusual sensory variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome

We describe a 52-year-old woman presenting with acute onset of severe burning paraesthesia in the hands and feet associated with allodynia and antalgic gait. At the time of admission to hospital no motor weakness was present. A diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was considered when neurophysiological studies were completed showing convincing evidence of demyelination on motor conduction studies and sural sparing on sensory nerve studies.¹ We describe this case as a sensory variant of GBS. Clinical improvement followed treatment with a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The patient made a complete clinical recovery within 6 months of onset and repeat neurophysiological studies showed marked improvement. We encourage clinicians to consider an atypical variant of GBS in patients presenting with acute sensory complaints.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, immunopathogenic mechanisms and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease representing the most frequent cause of acute flaccid symmetrical weakness of the limbs and areflexia usually reaching its peak within a month. The etiology and pathogenesis remain largely enigmatic and the syndrome results in death or severe disability in 9-17% of cases despite immunotherapy. Areas covered: In terms of etiology, Guillain-Barré syndrome is linked to Campylobacter infection but less than 0.1% of infections result in the syndrome. In terms of pathogenesis, activated macrophages and T cells and serum antibodies against gangliosides are observed but their significance is unclear. Expert commentary: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a heterogeneous condition with numerous subtypes and recent data point towards the role of ganglioside epitopes by immunohistochemical methods. Ultimately, the syndrome results from a permissive genetic background on which environmental factors, including infections, vaccination and the influence of aging, lead to disease.

Ganglionic acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Although standardized autonomic tests are useful for diagnosing autonomic failure in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), they cannot be used as predictive markers. Thus, serological markers may correctly identify patients with GBS who are at risk for autonomic dysfunction.

METHODS

We validated a luciferase immunoprecipitation system that detects IgG antibodies in patient serum that specifically bind to the α3 or β4 subunits of ganglionic neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (gAChR). We then used luciferase-conjugated ligands specific to antibodies against two gAChR subunits to test 79 sera samples from patients with GBS, 34 from subjects with other neurological diseases (OND), and 73 from healthy controls (HC). 1) In the first analysis, patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of autonomic symptoms (AS). We compared the frequency of the anti-gAChR antibodies between these two groups (AS+ and AS-). 2) In the second analysis, furthermore, patients were classified depending on the presence or absence of anti-glycolipid antibodies (AGA). We compared the frequency of the anti-gAChR antibodies between the four categories of GBS (AS+/AGA+, AS+/AGA-, AS-/AGA+, and AS-/AGA-), OND, and HC.

RESULTS

Eight subjects with GBS were positive for α3 subunits, while one was positive for β4 subunits. Anti-α3 and -β4 gAChR antibodies were also detected in 13.6% of AS+ GBS group in the first analysis. Two of 35 patients in AS-GBS group were seropositive for the anti-gAChR antibodies and AGA in the second analysis. Patients with GBS that were positive for serum antibodies to the α3 and/or β4 subunits of gAChRs showed a range of clinical features including AS and AGA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GBS may have circulating antibodies against gAChR, which may contribute to the autonomic dysfunction associated with this disease.

Small fiber neuropathy: Getting bigger!

Etiological and clinical heterogeneity of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) precludes a unifying approach and necessitates reliance on recognizable clinical syndromes. Symptoms of SFN arise from dysfunction in nociception, temperature, and autonomic modalities. This review focuses on SFN involving nociception and temperature, examining epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management. Prevalence of SFN is 52.95 per 100,000 population, and diabetes and idiopathic are the most common etiologies. Dysesthesia, allodynia, pain, burning, and coldness sensations frequently present in a length-dependent pattern. Additional autonomic features in gastrointestinal, urinary, or cardiovascular systems are frequent but poorly objectified. SFN is diagnosed by intraepidermal nerve fiber density and quantitative sensory and autonomic tests in combination with normal nerve conduction. Pathophysiological understanding centers on sodium channel dysfunction, and genetic forms are beginning to be understood. Treatment is directed at the underlying etiology supported by symptomatic treatment using antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Little is known about long-term outcomes, and systematic cohort studies are needed.

Sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

A 58-year-old female exhibited the onset of symmetrical sensory abnormalities of the face and extremities. The neurological examination revealed normal muscle strength with abated or absent tendon reflexes. The patient experienced symmetrical glove- and stocking-type pinprick sensations in the distal extremities and a loss of temperature sensation, but had normal proprioception and vibration senses and joint topesthesia. The lumbar puncture showed protein cell separation at the fifth week after the onset of symptoms. At the same time-point, the electrophysiological examination showed demyelination changes involving the trigeminal nerve and the somatic motor nerve. Needle electromyography revealed normal results. The clinical symptoms ceased progression at the fourth week after symptom onset, and began to improve from the sixth. This case was considered to be sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome, which was characterized by its cranial nerve involvement.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: subtypes and predictors of outcome from India

There is a paucity of large studies evaluating the subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and their outcome from Southeast Asia. We report cliniconeurophysiological subtypes of GBS and their correlation with triggering events and 3-month outcome from northern India. Three hundred and twenty eight consecutive patients with GBS were clinically evaluated, including their triggers, severity, autonomic involvement, cranial nerve palsy, and respiratory paralysis. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was repeated at 3 weeks if the initial study was normal. They were categorized into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), inexcitable motor nerve, and equivocal. Clinically, 204 (62.2%) patients had pure motor, 106 (32.3%) motor sensory, 16 (4.9%) Miller Fisher syndrome, and 2 (0.6%) pure sensory GBS. Based on NCS, 242 (73.8%) had AIDP, 44 (13.4%) AMAN, 15 (4.6%) AMSAN, 8 (2.4%) inexcitable motor nerves, and 27 (8.2%) equivocal GBS. AIDP patients were older, more common in summer, had lesser peak disability, and better outcome compared to those with AMAN. Eleven (3.4%) patients died and 48 (14.6%) had poor outcome at 3 months. The poor outcome was related to severity, dysautonomia, and inexcitable motor nerves. AIDP is the commonest variant of GBS in our study and has better outcome compared to AMAN.

Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes--new diagnostic classification

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its variant, Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), exist as several clinical subtypes with different neurological features and presentations. Although the typical clinical features of GBS and MFS are well recognized, current classification systems do not comprehensively describe the full spectrum of either syndrome. In this Perspectives article, GBS and MFS are classified on the basis of current understanding of the common pathophysiological profiles of each disease phenotype. GBS is subclassified into classic and localized forms (for example, pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness and bifacial weakness with paraesthesias), and MFS is divided into incomplete (for example, acute ophthalmoparesis, acute ataxic neuropathy) and CNS subtypes (Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis). Diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics are suggested for each condition. We believe this approach to be more inclusive than existing systems, and argue that it could facilitate early clinical diagnosis and initiation of appropriate immunotherapy.

Acute small fiber neuropathy following Mycoplasma infection: a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a well-described condition involving the peripheral nervous system. The most well-known form of this disease is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Among the different variants of GBS described in the literature, the sensory variant is scantily recognized. There has been a recent attempt to classify the sensory variants of the GBS and bring more objectivity to this diagnostic paradigm. We report a rare sensory variant of GBS presenting with isolated small nerve fiber involvement peripherally in the limbs and associated facial nerve palsy in a patient who had clinical and serological evidence of a preceding Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The symptoms resolved gradually with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This case adds to the growing literature of the rare form of acute small fiber neuropathy and GBS variants.