Electrophysiological subtypes and prognosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome in northeastern China

Rapid Improvement in Guillain-Barré Syndrome With Demyelinating and Secondary Axonal Involvement: A Case Report

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a major cause of acute neuropathy worldwide. The accurate classification of GBS subtypes is essential for diagnosis and prognosis, with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy generally linked to more favorable outcomes. This case report examines a 65-year-old Sudanese man who experienced a six-day progression of symmetrical lower limb weakness and numbness, which rapidly escalated to significant motor impairment. Clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests identified primary demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with secondary axonal damage. Despite severe initial weakness and hypoxia, the patient showed significant recovery. Follow-up assessments confirmed full motor recovery and independent mobility. This case report aims to fill the gap in local data and provide valuable insights into the clinical features and outcomes of GBS in the Saudi Arabian context.

Early electrophysiological study variants and their relationship with clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

This study compared the clinical outcomes of the two main neurophysiological types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Sixty-two GBS patients were examined clinically at onset using Medical Research Council (MRC), Hughes disability scales (HDS), and nerve conduction studies were evaluated in four limbs. The Modified Erasmus GBS outcome score (MEGOS) was assessed 2 weeks after onset. Outcomes were measured after 3 months using MRC and HDS scores. According to electrophysiological data two main groups identified acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP = 31 cases) or acute axonal GBS including inexcitable forms (26 cases). The number of days between onset of weakness and admission was significantly shorter, and gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher among the axonal type than AIDP. MRC sum scores at onset and at nadir were significantly worse in the axonal type than in AIDP. Neck muscle weakness, impaired cough reflex, the need for mechanical ventilation, hypoalbuminemia, and hypernatremia were more common in the axonal type. At outcome, 74% of the AIDP were healthy/minor symptoms versus 38.46% of the axonal type. There was a high prevalence of the axonal variant (41.9%) compared with European and North American populations. The axonal type had a significantly worse outcome than AIDP type.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies: Pathophysiology and Management

Dysfunction of the immune system can result in damage of the peripheral nervous system. The immunological mechanisms, which include macrophage infiltration, inflammation and proliferation of Schwann cells, result in variable degrees of demyelination and axonal degeneration. Aetiology is diverse and, in some cases, may be precipitated by infection. Various animal models have contributed and helped to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms in acute and chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathies (Guillain-Barre Syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, respectively). The presence of specific anti-glycoconjugate antibodies indicates an underlying process of molecular mimicry and sometimes assists in the classification of these disorders, which often merely supports the clinical diagnosis. Now, the electrophysiological presence of conduction blocks is another important factor in characterizing another subgroup of treatable motor neuropathies (multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block), which is distinct from Lewis-Sumner syndrome (multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy) in its response to treatment modalities as well as electrophysiological features. Furthermore, paraneoplastic neuropathies are also immune-mediated and are the result of an immune reaction to tumour cells that express onconeural antigens and mimic molecules expressed on the surface of neurons. The detection of specific paraneoplastic antibodies often assists the clinician in the investigation of an underlying, sometimes specific, malignancy. This review aims to discuss the immunological and pathophysiological mechanisms that are thought to be crucial in the aetiology of dysimmune neuropathies as well as their individual electrophysiological characteristics, their laboratory features and existing treatment options. Here, we aim to present a balance of discussion from these diverse angles that may be helpful in categorizing disease and establishing prognosis.

Acute Pericarditis as the Primary Presentation of COVID-19 Infection followed by Guillain-Barre Syndrome in a Healthy Young Man: A Case Report

Background

Symptomatic COVID-19 infection most often presents as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute pericarditis and Guillain-Barré syndrome are rare extrapulmonary manifestations of this infection.

Case Presentation

A 27-year-old man presented with chest pain, with negative troponin and typical electrocardiographic findings, resulting in a diagnosis of acute pericarditis. He had no respiratory symptoms, nor the chest computerized tomography (CT) scan findings of COVID-19, and his Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative. One week later, he developed clinical symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome, along with respiratory manifestations of COVID-19. His repeat chest CT scan and PCR test confirmed COVID-19 infection. After 17 days of hospital stay, he improved clinically and was discharged.

Conclusion

This is the first case of acute pericarditis as the primary presentation of COVID-19 in the absence of respiratory symptoms and a clear chest CT scan, followed by the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome and respiratory tract manifestations of COVID-19. Clinicians should be aware of the extrapulmonary presentation of COVID-19 infection.

Post-COVID-19 Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A case report from Oman

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported as one of the neurological manifestations linked to COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2. We present the case of a 72-year-old male patient attending a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2020 with a history of progressive bilateral limb weakness and numbness. The current diagnosis was in line with a rare complication of COVID-19. After exclusion of other possible causes, a diagnosis of GBS induced by COVID-19 was made. The patient received 0.4g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) per day for five days. This case report highlights the characteristics and course of GBS following COVID-19 infection. Further studies are needed to characterize the manifestations and course of various neuromuscular disorders in relation to COVID-19 infection.

A novel prognostic system based on clinical and laboratory parameters for childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome

AIM

To develop a score based on clinical and laboratory parameters in acute-phase of GBS to predict outcome at 6 months.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory assessment at admission including blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pre and post-immunotherapy serum albumin was prospectively performed in pediatric-GBS cases at a tertiary-care hospital over 1 year. Clinical features and laboratory test results were compared between children with complete (Hughes Disability Score; HDS ≤ 1) and incomplete recovery (HDS > 1) at 6 months from onset, using univariate and multivariate analysis. Area-under-receiver-operating-characteristic-curve (AUC) of predictors of prognosis and their optimal cutoffs were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were enrolled (mean age 69.1 ± 35.2 months; male 57.6%). Factors on admission that independently predicted poor-outcome at 6 months were older age, feeble voice, lower NLR and lower post-immunotherapy serum albumin. AUCs and optimal cutoffs of NLR and post-immunotherapy serum albumin for predicting disability at 6 months were 0.729, 0.781 and ≤ 1.65, ≤ 34.5 g/L, respectively. AUCs of clinical parameters such as older age and feeble voice were 0.749 and 0.713 respectively. King GBS outcomescore including all predictors had maximum AUC of 0.971 (95% CI 0.921-1.02). The score at cutoff ≥ 3 demonstrated excellent sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (96.7%) to determine poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This new prognostic system may be beneficial in recognising children-at-risk of poor prognosis who may benefit from additional treatment.

Regional Differences of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in China: From South to North

Background

The epidemiological features of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) were different in different areas; a comparison of the disease was needed to identify the variation and prognosis. We compare the epidemiological features of GBS in different areas in China.

Method

A total of 1,191 patients were included. Information was collected in patients diagnosed with GBS and its variants in middle and south China, and then retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into four different regions: East China (n = 441), Center China (n = 566), South China (n = 77), and Southwest China (n = 107). These subregions are mainly divided by climate and geographical location. These data were compared with data from a study in East China (Shandong, n = 150) and Northeast China (Changchun, n = 750).

Results

Patients from the south and southwest China were younger than other regions (P = 0.000). A summer peak and an autumn peak were found in northern China, but more patients in winter and spring days in other areas (P = 0.000). Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the preceding event of GBS patients in all regions but rarer in central China (P = 0.001). The proportion of axonal subtype was higher in central and southwest China than in other regions (P = 0.001). Patients in southwest China were more served at nadir and have the longest hospital stay (P = 0.003 and P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The difference between seasonal variation and preceding events was found in different regions in China; clinical features differ among regions in China.

Nerve ultrasound evaluation of Guillain-Barré syndrome subtypes in northern China

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Ultrasound (US) studies have demonstrated patchy enlargement of spinal and peripheral nerves in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, whether ultrasound yields useful information for early classification of GBS has not been established. We aimed to evaluate nerve ultrasound in patients with GBS in northern China and compare the sonographic characteristics between demyelinating and axonal subtypes.

METHODS

Between November 2018 and October 2019, 38 hospitalized GBS patients within 3 wk of disease onset and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Ultrasonographic cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the peripheral nerves, vagus nerve, and cervical nerve roots were prospectively recorded in GBS subtypes and controls.

RESULTS

Ultrasonographic CSA exhibited significant enlargement in most patients' nerves compared with healthy controls, most prominent in cervical nerves. The CSA tended to be larger in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) than in acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN)/acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), especially in cervical nerves (C5: 5.9 ± 1.6 mm² vs. 7.0 ± 1.7 mm² , p = .042; C6: 10.5 ± 1.8 mm² vs. 12.0 ± 2.1 mm² , p = .033). The chi-squared test revealed significant differences in nerve enlargement in C5 (p < .001), C6 (p < .001), the proximal median nerve (p < .001), and the vagus nerve (p = .003) between GBS and controls. The vagus nerve was larger in patients with autonomic dysfunction than in patients without it (2.3 ± 1.0 mm² vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 mm² , p = .003).

DISCUSSION

The demyelinating subtype presented with more significant cervical nerve enlargement in GBS. Vagus nerve enlargement may be a useful marker for autonomic dysfunction.

Clinical features and outcome of Guillain-Barre syndrome in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter, retrospective study

Background

Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by rapidly evolving weakness and areflexia, reaching nadir within 4 weeks. Data on the characteristic of GBS in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory characteristics and outcome of a multicenter cohort of patients with GBS.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter nationwide study. Patients who had GBS, identified through Brighton Criteria, between January 2015 and December 2019 were included. Data collected included demographics, clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid profile, reported electrophysiological patterns, treatment, and outcome. Reported GBS subtypes were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Mann–Whitney U tests, as appropriate.

Results

A total of 156 patients with GBS were included (men, 61.5%), with a median age of 38 (interquartile range, 26.25–53.5) years. The most commonly reported antecedent illnesses were upper respiratory tract infection (39.1%) and diarrhea (27.8%). All but two patients (98.7%) had weakness, 64.1% had sensory symptoms, 43.1% had facial diplegia, 33.8% had oropharyngeal weakness, 12.4% had ophthalmoplegia, and 26.3% needed mechanical ventilation. Cytoalbuminological dissociation was observed in 69.1% of the patients. GBS-specific therapy was administered in 96.8% of the patients, of whom 88.1% had intravenous immunoglobulin, and 11.9% had plasmapheresis. Approximately half of the patients were able to walk independently within 9 months after discharge, and a third regained the ability to walk independently thereafter. Death of one patient was caused by septicemia. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy was the most commonly reported GBS subtype (37.7%), followed by acute motor axonal neuropathy (29.5%), and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (19.2%).

Conclusion

The clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcome of GBS in the Arab population of Saudi Arabia are similar to the international cohorts. The overall prognosis is favorable.

Clinical features and real-world outcomes of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the Philippines

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to determine the profile of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in the Philippines, compare the outcomes who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and determine the factors related to hospital stay and late motor recovery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult GBS patients admitted to the Philippine General Hospital from 2009 to 2019.

RESULTS

We included 105 patients with confirmed GBS diagnoses. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range 32 to 56); the female-to-male ratio was 1.62:1; the predominant variant was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (n = 40, 38.1%). The difference in outcomes of patients in the IVIg (n = 44) and TPE (n = 24) groups (walking with aid/GBS-disability scores/ventilator dependency at 1 month, duration dependent on the ventilator, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay) were not statistically significant, except for mild disability at 1 month (p = 0.009). Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and dysautonomia were significantly related to a prolonged hospital stay. No predetermined variables were associated with late motor recovery. After adjusting for age and sex, the cumulative hazard risk for late motor recovery was 0.69 (95% CI 0.27-1.74).

CONCLUSION

Our study presented the first comprehensive information regarding the features and outcomes of GBS patients in the Philippines.

ABBREVIATIONS

AIDP - Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; AMAN - Acute motor axonal neuropathy; AMSAN - Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy; GBS - Guillain-Barré syndrome; GBS-DS - Guillain-Barré syndrome disability scale; ICU - Intensive care unit; IVIg - Intravenous immunoglobulin; MFS - Miller-Fisher syndrome; PGH - Philippine General Hospital; TPE - Therapeutic plasma exchange.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Other Acute Polyneuropathies

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune neuropathy that can cause motor, sensory, and autonomic symptoms. Although GBS primarily is a neuropathic disorder, multiple organ systems can be affected during the disease course, and older patients may be more vulnerable to systemic complications. Close clinical monitoring and early interventions using pharmacologic and nonpharmacological treatments may lead to an improved long-term outcome.

Therapeutic plasma exchange as a first-choice therapy for axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case-based review of the literature (Review)

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute immune-mediated disease that affects the peripheral nervous system, with progressive motor deficit in the limbs, sometimes involvement of the cranial nerves and possible impairment of the autonomic nervous system. Due to the respiratory and autonomic nervous dysfunction, the disease has the potential to be fatal. Although modern methods of treatment have significantly improved patient prognosis, many patients nevertheless experience significant neurological sequelae. The practical applicability of plasmapheresis was illustrated in our case report. We report the case of a 27-year-old man who had a mild viral respiratory tract infection 1 week prior to the onset of disease with gradual development of a motor deficit, urinary retention, slight swallowing difficulties and mild respiratory dysfunction. Nerve conduction studies were performed and the diagnosis of acute motor axonal neuropathy phenotypic variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome was established. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, endocrinopathies, neoplastic diseases, intoxications, metabolic diseases and vitamin deficiencies were ruled out. Our patient attended four sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange performed using peripheral venous approach with two needles with significant recovery of the motor deficit. The patient was discharged 1 week later on maintenance kinetotherapy with further favorable evolution. In conclusion, we report a good evolution as a result of therapeutic plasma exchange in a patient with acute motor axonal neuropathy phenotypic variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The procedure is well-tolerated and can be performed safely by peripheral approach not only in the intensive care unit but also in a neurology clinic.

Clinical and serological prognostic factors in childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome: A prospective cohort study in Bangladesh

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children. The objective of this study was to investigate the preceding infections, clinical, serological and electrophysiological characteristics and outcome of childhood GBS in Bangladesh. We included 174 patients with GBS aged <18 years from a prospective cohort in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2018. We performed multivariate logistic regression to determine the risk factors for poor outcome. Among 174 children with GBS, 74% (n = 129) were male. Around half of the patients (49%, n = 86) had severe muscle weakness, 65% (n = 113) were bedbound (GBS disability score 4) and 17% (n = 29) patients required mechanical ventilation at admission. Campylobacter jejuni serology and anti-GM1 IgG antibody were positive in 66% and 21% of the patients respectively. One hundred and forty-three (82%) patients did not receive standard treatment and half of them recovered fully or with minor deficits at 6-month. Twenty patients (11%) died throughout the study period. At 3-month of onset of weakness, complete recovery or recovery with minor deficit was significantly higher in demyelinating GBS patients compared to axonal GBS patients (86% vs 51%, P = .001). Cranial nerve palsy (OR = 4.00, 95%CI = 1.55-10.30, P = .004) and severe muscle weakness (OR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.06-0.45, P = .001) were the important risk factors of poor outcome in children with GBS. Further large-scale studies are required for better understanding of factors associated with mortality and morbidity in childhood GBS.

Frequency of Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients of Guillain Barre Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is defined as a syndrome manifesting as an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) with coexistent weakness and absent or diminished reflexes clinically.Autonomic dysfunction (AD) or dysautonomia is a common finding in GBS. Autonomic dysfunction usually occurs in the acute phase of the illness but can also be seen in the recovery phase. The rationale of our study is to determine the frequency of autonomic dysfunction in patients of GBS admitted to the Neurology department of Civil Hospital, Karachi.

Methods

A total of 118 admitted patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after informed consent. The study was conducted for six months at the department of neurology, Civil Hospital, Karachi. Patients were assessed for autonomic dysfunction by recording blood pressures and pulse rate hourly (both lying and standing positions) by resident doctors. Urinary retention, diarrhea, and constipation were also recorded in a separate chart. All values entered in the pre-approved performa by researchers. The data was collected and analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation (SD) of continuous data, like age, duration of illness, motor weakness assessment by Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale, protein content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pulse, and blood pressure at the time of presentation. Frequencies and percentages were calculated from the categorical data, like gender and patients with autonomic dysfunction (outcome variable). Effect modifiers were controlled by stratification of age, gender, duration of illness. Post-stratification chi-square test was applied with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 taken as significant.

Results

In our study, the average age of the patients was 39.90±9.91 years. Frequency of autonomic dysfunction among patients with GBS was 41.53% (49/118). The most frequent autonomic manifestations were constipation and diarrhea; 22% and 21.2% respectively. Additional manifestations included urinary retention (15.3%) and fluctuation of blood pressure and heart rate at 13.6% each. 

Conclusion

This study showed that the frequency of autonomic dysfunction among patients of Guillain Barre Syndrome was significant, consistent with previous studies. Our study explored the adverse outcomes of autonomic dysfunction in patients with GBS. This will help physicians increase their understanding of dysautonomia so that effective management plans can be formulated for patients with GBS to prevent adverse outcomes and hence provide better patient care.

Finger drop sign as a new variant of acute motor axonal neuropathy

We propose the finger drop sign as a new clinical variant of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) defined by immunological and radiological evidence. We identified eight consecutive patients who had AMAN. All of them developed prominent involvement of the finger extensors. We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the extremity muscles and serological assays for antiganglioside antibodies and Campylobacter jejuni. Patients with AMAN showed characteristic and a markedly sustained weakness of the finger extensors with a distinctive pattern of the finger drop sign. Limb MRI revealed unevenly distributed abnormal signals in the muscles mainly innervated by the posterior interosseous nerve. All tested patients showed positivity for immunoglobulin G antibody against ganglioside complex of GM1 and phosphatidic acid. A pathophysiological understanding of this unique syndrome can provide further insight into antiganglioside-antibody-mediated axonal injury in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

[Association of motor nerve conduction block with different subtypes of childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of motor nerve conduction block (CB) with different subtypes of childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and nerve electrophysiological data of 50 children with GBS. According to the results of nerve electrophysiology, the children were divided into an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) group with 29 children and an acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) group with 21 children. According to the presence or absence of motor nerve CB, the children with AMAN or AIDP were further divided into subgroups: group AMAN with or without motor nerve CB (n=10 and 11 respectively) and group AIDP with or without motor nerve CB group (n=19 and 10 respectively). The subgroups were compared in terms of age of onset, sex, Hughes Functional Grading Scale (HFGS) at nadir for the most severe involvement of motor function, and short-term prognosis based on HFGS score at 1 month after disease onset.

RESULTS

Motor nerve CB was reversible in children with AMAN. AMAN children with motor nerve CB had a significantly lower HFGS score than those without motor nerve CB at 1 month after onset (P<0.05). AIDP children with motor nerve CB had a significantly higher HFGS score than those with motor nerve CB at 1 month after onset (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AMAN with reversible motor nerve CB suggests mild nerve fiber lesion and has better recovery than AMAN and AIDP without motor nerve CB in short term.

Electrophysiological subtypes and associated prognosis factors of Mexican adults diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a single center experience

BACKGROUND

The clinical characteristics of electrophysiological subtypes and prognostic factors of Mexican adults diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have not been described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single center, ambispective, cohort study was performed (2015-2019). GBS was defined following the Asbury and Cornblath criteria. Electrodiagnosis was made according to Hadden criteria. Clinical, biochemical and electrodiagnostic parameters were described, compared and analyzed using a multivariate model. Only patients who completed a 3-month follow-up were included.

RESULTS

137 GBS patients (92 males; mean age 46.6 ± 16.6).132 (96.3%) underwent an electrodiagnostic assessment.68 (51.5%) were classified as axonal GBS, with further classified into two groups: acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) 45.4%, and acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) 8,6%. The following characteristics were lower in the AMAN group: Medical Research Counsel sumscore (MRC) 30.1 ± 16.3 vs 36.4 ± 14.4, unilateral facial palsy 10% vs 25.9% and albuminocytologic dissociation 41.3% vs. 71.7%.Multivariate analysis found AMAN as an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome OR: 3.34 (p = 0.03) CONCLUSIONS: AMAN subtype is the most frequent presentation of GBS in Mexican adult patients and an independent predictor of inability to walk independently at 3 months after discharge.

Axonal variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome: an update

Axonal variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) mainly include acute motor axonal neuropathy, acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, and pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness. Molecular mimicry of human gangliosides by a pathogen's lipooligosaccharides is a well-established mechanism for Campylobacter jejuni-associated GBS. New triggers of the axonal variants of GBS (axonal GBS), such as Zika virus, hepatitis viruses, intravenous administration of ganglioside, vaccination, and surgery, are being identified. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of axonal GBS related to antecedent bacterial or viral infections other than Campylobacter jejuni remain unknown. Currently, autoantibody classification and serial electrophysiology are cardinal approaches to differentiate axonal GBS from the prototype of GBS, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Newly developed technologies, including metabolite analysis, peripheral nerve ultrasound, and feature selection via artificial intelligence are facilitating more accurate diagnosis of axonal GBS. Nevertheless, some key issues, such as genetic susceptibilities, remain unanswered and moreover, current therapies bear limitations. Although several therapies have shown considerable benefits to experimental animals, randomized controlled trials are still needed to validate their efficacy.

Antecedent infections in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a single-center, prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spectrum of antecedent infections in Chinese patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and analyze the infections-related clinical phenotypes locally.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study of 150 patients diagnosed with GBS and age- and sex-matched neurological and healthy controls was performed to investigate recent infections of 14 pathogens serologically and collect the clinical data during a follow-up of 12 months.

RESULTS

In total, 53% of patients with GBS had a positive serology for recent infection, including Campylobacter jejuni (27%), influenza A (17%) and B (16%), hepatitis A virus (5%), dengue virus (3%), cytomegalovirus (3%), Epstein-Barr virus (3%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2%), herpes simplex virus (2%), varicella-zoster virus (1%), and rubella virus (1%). Serology for infections of hepatitis E virus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Zika virus was negative. There was a higher frequency of C. jejuni, influenza A, influenza B, and hepatitis A virus infections in GBS patients than both the neurological and healthy controls. C. jejuni infection was more frequent in younger GBS patients and was associated with antibodies against GM1, GalNAc-GD1a, and GM1:galactocerebroside complex. Influenza B infection was associated with a pure motor form of GBS.

INTERPRETATION

C. jejuni, influenza A, influenza B, and hepatitis A virus serve as the most common cause of antecedent infections in GBS locally. Influenza B-related GBS may represent a pure motor phenotype. Differences in the infectious spectrum worldwide may contribute to the geographical clinical heterogeneity of GBS.

Electrophysiological Subtypes and Prognostic Factors of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Northern China

Objectives: To assess the epidemiology of different electrophysiological subtypes of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and investigate the factors affecting the prognosis of the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) subtype in northern China.

Methods: According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke diagnostic criteria for GBS, 104 consecutive GBS patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China from 2014 to 2018.

Results: Based on nerve conduction studies (NCSs), AMAN was the most common subtype in Northern China, accounting for 58 patients (55.8%). AMAN patients had significantly higher prevalence of antecedent diarrhea, longer duration of hospitalization, and slightly slower recovery than those with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), but there was no statistical difference in disease severity or short-term prognosis between AMAN and AIDP. Based on multivariate regression analysis, AMAN patients with antecedent diarrhea (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03–0.756, p = 0.021) or conduction blocks (CBs) (OR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.001–0.787, p = 0.035) had dramatically better short-term prognosis. Decreased compound action potential with distal stimulation (dCMAP) amplitude was associated with significant slower speed of recovery(OR = 8.31, 95% CI: 2.55–27.10, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: AMAN is still the most common subtype of GBS in northern China. A decline in dCMAP amplitude is predictive factor of a slow recovery and poor outcome of GBS. Diarrhea and CBs may be the factors for better short-term prognosis in AMAN patients in Northern China.

A Predictive Model for Guillain-Barré Syndrome Based on Ensemble Methods

Nowadays, Machine Learning methods have proven to be highly effective on the identification of various types of diseases, in the form of predictive models. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a potentially fatal autoimmune neurological disorder that has barely been studied with computational techniques and few predictive models have been proposed. In a previous study, single classifiers were successfully used to build a predictive model. We believe that a predictive model is imperative to carry out adequate treatment in patients promptly. We designed three classification experiments: (1) using all four GBS subtypes, (2) One versus All (OVA), and (3) One versus One (OVO). These experiments use a real-world dataset with 129 instances and 16 relevant features. Besides, we compare five state-of-the-art ensemble methods against 15 single classifiers with 30 independent runs. Standard performance measures were used to obtain the best classifier in each experiment. Derived from the experiments, we conclude that Random Forest showed the best results in four GBS subtypes classification, no ensemble method stood out over the rest in OVA classification, and single classifiers outperformed ensemble methods in most cases in OVO classification. This study presents a novel predictive model for classification of four subtypes of Guillain–Barré syndrome. Our model identifies the best method for each classification case. We expect that our model could assist specialized physicians as a support tool and also could serve as a basis to improved models in the future.

Motor Nerve Conduction Block Predicting Outcome of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Introduction: Motor nerve conduction blocks (CBs) could be detected in both acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). We aimed to identify the correlation between CBs and functional outcome in the two subtypes of GBS. Methods: Motor nerve conduction studies were performed in 17 patients with AIDP and 23 with AMAN. All patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and their disabilities were evaluated with Hughes functional grading scale before treatment, 1 month and 6 months after onset. Results: AMAN with CBs had higher reduction of Hughes grade (indicating more improved outcomes) at 1 month (1.71 ± 0.83 vs. 1 ± 0.67, p = 0.034) than AIDP with CBs. AMAN with CBs had higher reduction of Hughes grade at 1 month (1.71 ± 0.83 vs. 0.56 ± 0.73, p = 0.002) than AMAN without CBs. The reduction of Hughes grade at 1 month showed no significant difference between AIDP with and without CBs. Discussion: Motor nerve CBs in AMAN indicated better prognosis than in AIDP.

Guillain-Barré syndrome in southern China: retrospective analysis of hospitalised patients from 14 provinces in the area south of the Huaihe River

OBJECTIVES

The clinical and epidemiological profiles of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in southern China have yet to be fully recognised. We aimed to investigate the subtypes of GBS in southern China, compare the clinical features of demyelinating form with that of axonal form and test whether preceding infections and age have influence on the clinical phenotype, disease course and severity of GBS.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with a diagnosis of GBS admitted to 31 tertiary hospitals, located in 14 provinces in southern China, from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2016, were collected and retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Finally. 1056 patients, including 887 classic GBS and 169 variants, were enrolled. The 661 classic patients with available electromyographic data were grouped as having acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP, 49.0%), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN, 18.8%), inexcitable (0.9%) and equivocal (31.3%). In contrast to AIDP, patients with AMAN were characterised by earlier nadir (P=0.000), higher Hughes score at nadir (P=0.003) and at discharge (P=0.000). Preceding upper respiratory infections were identified in 369 (34.9%) patients, who were more inclined to develop AIDP (P=0.000) and Miller-Fisher syndrome (P=0.027), whereas gastrointestinal infection were found in 89 (8.4%) patients, who were more prone to develop AMAN (P=0.000), with more severe illness (P=0.001) and longer hospital stay (P=0.009). Children (≤15 years) and the elderly (≥56 years) were more severe at nadir, the elderly had the longest hospital stay (P=0.023).

CONCLUSION

AIDP is the predominant form in southern China, which is different from data of northern China. The different subtypes, preceding infection and age of onset can partially determine the disease progression, severity and short-term recovery speed of GBS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR-RRC-17014152.

Anti-ganglioside antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in Chinese patients

INTRODUCTION

In this study we investigated the relationships between anti-ganglioside antibodies and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

METHODS

Samples from 48 Chinese patients diagnosed with GBS and 18 patients diagnosed with CIDP were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In the GBS patients, 62.5% were classified as having acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), 27.1% were found to have acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and 10.4% were unclassified. Serum IgG anti-ganglioside antibodies were detected in 46.2% of the AMAN patients and in 6.7% of the AIDP patients (P < 0.05); 5.6% of the 18 CIDP patients were IgG antibody positive, and 27.8% were IgM antibody positive. Facial palsy and sensory impairment were significantly associated with IgM antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that IgG anti-GM1 antibodies are associated with AMAN, but not with AIDP, and that IgM antibodies against GM1, GM2, and GM3 are associated with facial nerve palsy. Muscle Nerve 55: 470-475, 2017.

Outcome of Guillain-Barre syndrome patients with respiratory paralysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To evaluate the outcome of patients with Guillain -: Barre syndrome (GBS) having respiratory failure treated with modified intubation policy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with GBS having single breath count below 12 and respiratory rate >30/min were included and their clinical details noted. The patients were intubated and mechanically ventilated (MV) if their PaO2 was <60 mmHg on venturi mask, PaCo2 > 50 mmHg or pH < 7.3. Their electrophysiological subtypes and complications were noted. The hospital mortality and 3 months outcome were compared in MV and those could be managed without MV even with respiratory compromise.

RESULTS

Out of 369 patients, 102 (27.6%) patients had respiratory compromise who were included in this study. Of the patients with respiratory compromise, 44 (43.1%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated after a median of 4 days of hospitalization. The median duration of MV was 21 (range 1-88) days. The patients with autonomic dysfunction (56.8% vs. 19%), facial weakness (78% vs. 36.2%), bulbar weakness (81.8% vs. 31%), severe weakness (63.8% vs. 31%) and high transaminase level (47.7% vs. 25.9%) needed MV more frequently. In our study, 6.8% patients died and 26.6% had poor outcome which was similar between MV and non-MV patients. The MV patients had longer hospitalization and more complications compared with non-MV group.

CONCLUSION

In GBS patients with respiratory compromise, conservative intubation does not increase mortality and disability.

Subtypes and Prognosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Southwest China

The proportion of different subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and their prognosis varied significantly among different regions. This study attempts to investigate the clinical subtypes and outcome of GBS in southwest China. Patients with GBS admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2006 to March 2013 were included in our study. Patients were classified into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) group, acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) group, Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) group, cranial nerve variants(CNV), Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis overlaps with GBS (BBE-GBS) group and unclassifiable group based on clinical features and electrophysiological findings. Hughes function grade score (HFGS) was used to assess the prognosis at 3 and 6 months. The prognosis of different subtypes and outcome predictors were analyzed. The most common subtype of GBS was AIDP (57%), followed by AMAN (22%) and MFS (7%). The prognosis of AMAN and BBE-GBS is similar at 3 month(P = 0.0704)and 6 month (P = 0.1614) follow-up. The prognosis of AMAN group was poorer than that of AIDP group at 3 month and 6 month follow-up (P<0.001). Outcome of MFS group and that of CNV group at 6 months were both good(Hughes≤1). Hughes≥3(P<0.0001,OR = 6.650,95%CI = 2.865 to 15.023))and dysautonomia (P = 0.043,OR = 2.820,95%CI = 1.031 to 7.715)) were associated with poor outcome at 6 month follow-up. AIDP is the most common subtype of GBS. Prognosis of AMAN group and BBE-GBS group is poorer than that of AIDP group at 3 month and 6 month follow-up. Hughes≥3 at nadir and dysautonomia are predictors of poor prognosis at 6 month follow-up.

A multicentre prospective study of Guillain-Barré syndrome in Japan: a focus on the incidence of subtypes

OBJECTIVE

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is classified into the two major subtypes; acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). Previous studies have suggested that AIDP is predominant and AMAN is rare in Western countries, whereas AMAN is not always uncommon in East Asia. We aimed to clarify the incidence of the subtypes of GBS in Japan.

METHODS

We performed a prospective multicentre survey over 3 years (2007-2010). Clinical and electrophysiological findings were collected from 184 patients with GBS in 23 tertiary neurology institutes. Anti-ganglioside antibodies were measured by ELISA. We also surveyed the incidence of Fisher syndrome (FS).

RESULTS

By electrodiagnostic criteria of Ho et al, patients were classified as having AIDP (40%), or AMAN (22%), or unclassified (38%). Anti-GM1 IgG antibodies were found for 47% of AMAN patients, and 18% of AIDP patients (p<0.001). There were no specific regional trends of the electrodiagnosis and anti-GM1 positivity. During the same study period, 79 patients with FS were identified; the percentage of FS cases out of all cases (FS/(GBS+FS)) was 26%.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of GBS patients with the electrodiagnosis of AMAN by single nerve conduction studies is approximately 20% in Japan, and the AMAN pattern is closely associated with anti-GM1 antibodies. The incidence of FS appears to be much higher in Japan than in Western countries.