Nationwide study of therapeutic plasma exchange vs intravenous immunoglobulin in Guillain-Barré syndrome

Treatment Efficacy of Plasmapheresis Versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Management: A Systematic Review

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Although the exact etiology of GBS is still unknown, it is thought to be triggered by a preceding gastrointestinal infection in most of the cases. Clinical manifestations include limb weakness, areflexia, and sensory loss that can further progress to neuromuscular paralysis affecting the respiratory, facial, and bulbar functions. Both plasmapheresis (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have shown effectiveness in the treatment of GBS, but it is still unclear which treatment approach is superior in terms of therapeutic efficacy. This systematic review acts per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. For appropriate studies and research, we searched PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Screening of articles was performed based on relevance and inclusion and exclusion criteria. To check for bias, we used relevant quality appraisal tools. Initially, we found 2454 articles. After removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, we finalized 31 studies based on titles, abstracts, and reading entire articles. We excluded 14 studies because of poor quality; the remaining 17 papers were included in this review. IVIG is equally efficacious as PE in improving primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. IVIG showed a slight advantage over PE in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and hospital stay duration. However, in children, PE demonstrated a slight edge in improving secondary outcomes. PE was associated with a slightly higher risk of adverse events and post-treatment worsening symptoms compared to IVIG. IVIG is considered more user-friendly with a significantly lower patient discontinuation rate than PE. IVIG treatment was found to be significantly more expensive than PE.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: immunopathogenesis and therapeutic targets

INTRODUCTION

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a group of acute immune-mediated disorders in the peripheral nervous system. Both infectious and noninfectious factors are associated with GBS, which may act as triggers of autoimmune responses leading to neural damage and dysfunction.

AREAS COVERED

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its vaccines as well as flaviviruses have been associated with GBS, although a robust conclusion has yet to be reached. Immunomodulatory treatments, including intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE), have long been the first-line therapies for GBS. Depending on GBS subtype and severity at initial presentation, the efficacy of IVIg and PE can be variable. Several new therapies showing benefits to experimental animals merit further investigation before translation into clinical practice. We review the state-of-the-art knowledge on the immunopathogenesis of GBS in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Immunomodulatory therapies in GBS, including IVIg, PE, corticosteroids, and potential therapies, are summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

The association with SARS-CoV-2 remains uncertain, with geographical differences that are difficult to explain. Evidence and guidelines are lacking for the decision-making of initiating immunomodulatory therapies in mildly affected patients or patients with regional subtypes of GBS.

Plasma exchange (PE) versus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in patients with severe symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purpose

Guillain- Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neuropathic condition that leads to the rapid development of impairments and is characterized by weakness and numbness or tingling sensation in the legs and arms and sometimes loss of movement and feeling in the legs, arms, upper body, and face. Currently, the cure for the disease is yet to be developed. However, treatment options such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PE) have been used to minimize the symptoms and duration of the disease. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy of IVIG and PE in treating GBS patients with severe symptoms.

Methodology

Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Medline, and Google scholar, were scoured for articles related and relevant to our research. Additionally, more studies were obtained through the reference lists of the studies retrieved from these electronic databases. Quality assessment and statistical data analysis were conducted using Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4.1).

Results

The search for relevant articles resulted in 3253 articles, of which only 20 were included for review in the current study. A sub-group analysis indicated no significant difference in the curative effect (Hughes score reduces by at least one score 4 weeks after GBS treatment; OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66-1.52; p = 1.00 and Achieving grade 0 or 1 on Hughes scale; OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.27-3.94; p = 0.97). Similarly, the statistical showed that the difference in length of hospitalization and duration of mechanical ventilation was insignificant between the IVIG and PE group (Standard Mean Difference (SMD): -0.45; 95% CI: -0.92, 0.02; I² = 91%; p = 0.06 and SMD: -0.54; 95% CI: -1.67, 0.59; I² = 93%; p = 0.35, respectively). Moreover, the meta-analysis did not find any significant difference in the risk of GBS relapse (RR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.20-1.14; p = 0.10) and risk of complications related to the treatment regimens (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.71-1.48; p = 0.89). However, the statistical analysis of outcomes from 3 studies showed that the risk of discontinuation was significantly lower in the IVIG group than in the PE group (RR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06-0.88; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that IVIG and PE have similar curative effects. Similarly, IVIG seems easier to use and thus can be preferred for treating GBS.

Predictors of Mechanical Ventilation in Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Axonal Subtypes

BACKGROUND

The early clinical predictors of respiratory failure in Latin Americans with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have scarcely been studied. This is of particular importance since Latin America has a high frequency of axonal GBS variants that may imply a worse prognosis.

METHODS

We studied 86 Mexican patients with GBS admitted to the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, a referral center of Mexico City, to describe predictors of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

RESULTS

The median age was 40 years (interquartile range: 26-53.5), with 60.5% men (male-to-female ratio: 1.53). Most patients (65%) had an infectious antecedent (40.6% gastrointestinal). At admission, 38% of patients had a Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score <30. Axonal subtypes predominated (60.5%), with acute motor axonal neuropathy being the most prevalent (34.9%), followed by acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (32.6%), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) (25.6%), and Fisher syndrome (7%). Notably, 15.1% had onset in upper limbs, 75.6% dysautonomia, and 73.3% pain. In all, 86% received either IVIg (9.3%) or plasma exchange (74.4%). IMV was required in 39.5% patients (72.7% in AMSAN). A multivariate model without including published prognostic scores yielded the time since onset to admission <15 days, axonal variants, MRC sum score <30, and bulbar weakness as independent predictors of IMV. The model including grading scales yielded lower limbs onset, Erasmus GBS respiratory insufficiency score (EGRIS) >4, and dysautonomia as predictors.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that EGRIS is a good prognosticator of IMV in GBS patients with a predominance of axonal electrophysiological subtypes, but other early clinical data should also be considered.

A Case of Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy Secondary to SGN-LIV1A Therapy

Antibody-drug conjugate therapy is rarely associated with neurologic immune-related phenomena. In this case report, we present a patient on treatment with SGN-LIV1A antibody-drug conjugate for breast cancer who developed progressive asymmetric quadriparesis, more severe in the bilateral upper extremities. Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), a sub-variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, was diagnosed via electro-diagnostic studies. Serological studies were significant for vitamin B1, B2 and B6 deficiencies, and cerebrospinal fluid studies were significant for albuminocytologic dissociation. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), B complex supplementation, and aggressive physical therapy. There was recovery of muscle strength in all extremities over the course of three months. Our case explores the biologic response to treatment of experimental immunotherapy-induced AMSAN with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Downregulation of LKB1/AMPK Signaling in Blood Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with the Severity of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular energy sensor that regulates metabolic and immune functions mainly through the inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent anabolic pathways and the activation of catabolic processes such as autophagy. The AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy markers were analyzed by immunoblotting in blood mononuclear cells of 20 healthy control subjects and 23 patients with an acute demyelinating form of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). The activation of the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMPK/Raptor signaling axis was significantly reduced in GBS compared to control subjects. In contrast, the phosphorylated forms of mTOR activator AKT and mTOR substrate 4EBP1, as well as the levels of autophagy markers LC3-II, beclin-1, ATG5, p62/sequestosome 1, and NBR1 were similar between the two groups. The downregulation of LKB1/AMPK signaling, but not the activation status of the AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 pathway or the levels of autophagy markers, correlated with higher clinical activity and worse outcomes of GBS. A retrospective study in a diabetic cohort of GBS patients demonstrated that treatment with AMPK activator metformin was associated with milder GBS compared to insulin/sulphonylurea therapy. In conclusion, the impairment of the LKB1/AMPK pathway might contribute to the development/progression of GBS, thus representing a potential therapeutic target in this immune-mediated peripheral polyneuropathy.

Bleeding outcomes of inpatients receiving therapeutic plasma exchange: A propensity-matched analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Although therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is associated with hemostatic abnormalities, its impact on bleeding outcomes is unknown. Therefore, the main study objective was to determine bleeding outcomes of inpatients treated with TPE.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), discharges were identified with 10 common TPE-treated conditions. A 1:3 propensity-matched analysis of TPE- to non-TPE-treated discharges was performed. The primary outcome was major bleeding and secondary outcomes were packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, mortality, disposition, hospital length of stay (LOS), and charges. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the association between TPE and study outcomes.

RESULTS

The study population was 15,964 discharges, of which 3991 were TPE- treated. The prevalence of major bleeding was low (5.4%). When compared to non-TPE discharges, TPE had a significant and positive association with major bleeding (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.63, p = .0003). TPE was also associated with PRBC transfusion (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.42-1.94, p < .0001), in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.90, p = .0008), hospital length of stay (12.45 [95% CI: 11.95-12.97] vs. 7.38 [95% CI: 7.12-7.65] days, p < .0001) and total charges, ($125,123 [95% CI: $119,220-$131,317] vs. $61,953 [95% CI: $59,391-$64,625], p < .0001), and disposition to non-self-care (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19-1.39, p < .0001).

DISCUSSION

The use of TPE in the inpatient setting is positively associated with bleeding; however, with low prevalence. Future studies should address risk factors that predispose patients to TPE-associated bleeding.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in clinical pediatric neurology practice: Experience from a tertiary referral hospital

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the long-term efficacy, tolerability, and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in children with various neuroimmunological disorders.

METHODS

This analysis was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with neuroimmunological events undergoing TPE procedures in a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

There were 23 patients, 14 boys (60.9%), aged at diagnosis onset 8 months to 16.8 years. The main indications of TPE were Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, n = 8), autoimmune encephalitis (n = 5), febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES, n = 4), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM, n = 3). There was no life-threatening complication due to the TPE procedures. Eight (34.8%) of 23 patients experienced 13 (7%) complications in 186 TPE procedures, mostly electrolyte disturbances (n = 5). None of patients discontinued TPE due to complications. Two (8.7%) of 23 patients had marked improvement, 6 (26.1%) had moderate and 11 (47.8%) had mild improvement after TPE. The last follow-up visit revealed neurological sequelae in 12 (52.2%) patients. Therapeutic plasma exchange was found to be more effective on GBS, autoimmune encephalitis and myasthenia gravis, less effective on ADEM and FIRES. There was no correlation between improvement with TPE and clinical parameters, including age, sex, diagnosis, disease duration before TPE, presence of intubation, and length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic plasma exchange was found to be effective and well-tolerated in children with various types of neuroimmunological disorder, with at least mild improvement in approximately 80% of the patients and no life-threatening complications.

Functional outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients: Intravenous immunoglobulins versus plasma exchange

BACKGROUND

Treatment with either Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange (PE) in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) showed equivalent efficacy as attested by a commonly used disability scale. However, it has been suggested that this scale may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle functional changes between the two treatments since it mainly focuses on walking capability and respiratory function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate functional outcomes following treatment with IVIg or PE using comprehensive scales that incorporate parameters of basic activities of daily living.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2007 and 2013 in an inpatient neurologic rehabilitation department. The study group included 70 individuals with GBS: 39 were treated with PE and 31 with IVIg. A comparison of functional outcomes was performed using Functional Independence Measure (FIM), rehabilitation efficiency (REy), rehabilitation effectiveness (REs), and the GBS disability scale (GDS).

RESULTS

Both treatments had a comparable effect on the various functional outcomes. Patients showed a significant increase in total FIM scores (30 points on average) during rehabilitation mainly as a result of an increase in motor sub-scores. A mean improvement of 1.23 (SD 0.9) in GDS was also observed. On average, individuals with GBS spent 20 days combined in the acute departments and 61 days in the rehabilitation department, with length of stay being similar for both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

IVIg and PE treatments have similar basic activities of daily living (ADL) functional outcomes. Nevertheless, due to the different mechanism of actions of these treatments and the multitude of GBS variants, it is possible that further comprehensive assessment tools may demonstrate differences in activity and participation of individuals with GBS.

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.

Intensive Care and Treatment of Severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyneuropathy mostly characterized by acute flaccid paralysis with or without sensory/autonomous nerve dysfunction. Current immuno therapies including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), plasma exchange (PE), and newly developed biological drugs benefit patients by alleviating hyperreactive immune responses. Up to 30% of patients develop respiratory failure during hospitalization and require mechanical ventilation and intensive care. Immunotherapies, mechanical ventilation, supportive care, and complication management during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay are equally emphasized. The most important aspect of intensive care and treatment of severe GBS, that is, mechanical ventilation, has been extensively reviewed elsewhere. In contrast to immunotherapies, care and treatment of GBS in the ICU setting are largely empirical. In this review, we intend to stress the importance of intensive care and treatment, other than mechanical ventilation in patients with severe GBS. We summarize the up-to-date knowledge of pharmacological therapies and ICU management of patients with severe GBS. We aim to answer some key clinical questions related to the management of severe GBS patients including but not limited to: Is IVIg better than PE or vice versa? Whether combinations of immune therapies benefit more? How about the emerging therapies promising for GBS? When to perform tracheal intubation or tracheostomy? How to provide multidisciplinary supportive care for severe cases? How to avert life-threatening complications in severe cases?