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Lee KW, Yap SF, Amin-Nordin S, Ngeow YF. Cardiac and Neurological Complications Post COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:575. [PMID: 38932303 PMCID: PMC11209191 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Following mass vaccinations for the control of the COVID-19 epidemic, a spectrum of cardiac and neurological disorders was reported among vaccinated individuals. This study examined the range of complications documented and factors related to their occurrence. Three electronic databases were searched for case reports and case series with descriptions of cardiac and/or neurological complications in COVID-19 vaccine recipients. A total of 698 vaccinees were included in this review, of which 259 (37.1%) had cardiac and 439 (62.9%) had neurological complications. Inflammatory conditions were the commonest among the cardiac complications; while polyneuropathy, demyelinating diseases and cerebrovascular disorders were the more common neurological complications. The mean age of those with cardiac complications (33.8 years) was much younger than those with neurological complications (49.7 years). There was no notable difference in the gender distribution between these two groups of vaccine recipients. mRNA vaccines (all brands) were associated with almost 90.0% of the cardiac complications, whereas viral vector vaccines were associated with slightly over half (52.6%) of the neurological complications. With regard to the dose, cardiac complications were more common after the second (69.1%), whereas neurological complications were more common after the first dose (63.6%). The majority of the cases had an uncomplicated clinical course. Nevertheless, 5.9% of cases with neurological complications and 2.5% of those with cardiac complications were fatal, underscoring the significance of the consistent surveillance and vigilant monitoring of vaccinated individuals to mitigate these occurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wei Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.W.L.); (S.A.-N.)
| | - Sook Fan Yap
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43200, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Dr. Wu Lien-Teh Centre of Research in Communicable Diseases, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43200, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syafinaz Amin-Nordin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.W.L.); (S.A.-N.)
| | - Yun Fong Ngeow
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43200, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Dr. Wu Lien-Teh Centre of Research in Communicable Diseases, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43200, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sah BK, Fatima Z, Sah RK, Syed B, Garg T, Chowdhury S, Ghosh B, Kunwar B, Shree A, Sah VK, Raut A. Guillain-Barre syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination: a study of 70 case reports. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2067-2080. [PMID: 38576928 PMCID: PMC10990410 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been found to have some interesting association with vaccinations. This paper mainly focuses on exploring different associations between COVID-19 vaccination and GBS. Methods Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Embase were searched using MESH terms for case reports published till 1 August 2023 from which 70 case reports were documented involving 103 individuals from 23 different countries. Result and discussion The case reports were from a wide range of individuals aged from 13 to 87 years with an average age of 53±20 interquartile range years along with male predominance. The average time between receiving the vaccine and the onset of symptoms was 13.08±2.14 days. Prominent clinical features included back pain, facial diplegia, weakness, and paraesthesia whereas the main diagnostic studies were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electromagnetic studies. The principal diagnostic clue was albumin-cytological dissociation in CSF while being negative for anti-ganglioside antibodies or SARS-CoV-2. Available treatment options consisted of intravenous immunoglobulin and Plasmapheresis. Patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, permanent atrial fibrillation, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, osteoporosis, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, seizures, bipolar disorder, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, bell's palsy, squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer were included in our study. Conclusion Overall, this review evaluated innovative and clinically relevant associations between COVID-19 vaccination and GBS. Understanding of this uncommon potential side effect of COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Importantly, GBS should not be considered a contraindication to vaccination. This underscores the importance of ongoing research to enhance the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Fatima
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Bushra Syed
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tulika Garg
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
| | | | - Bikona Ghosh
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
| | | | - Anagha Shree
- SGT Medical college and research institute, Gurgaon, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Sah
- Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa
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Abuawwad MT, Taha MJJ, Taha AJ, Kozaa YA, Falah O, Abuawwad IT, Hammad EM, Mahmoud AA, Aladawi M, Serhan HA. Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review and analysis of case reports. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 238:108183. [PMID: 38401232 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been believed to be associated with the novel COVID-19 infection, and also with the following vaccines developed against the infection. Our work aims to investigate the incidence of GBS after COVID-19 vaccination, and describe its clinical characteristics and potential confounders. METHODS An electronic search was conducted through four databases: PubMed, Scopus, medRxiv, and Google Scholar for all case reports and case series describing after COVID-19 vaccine administration. All published articles from inception until November 1st, 2022 were included. Differences between groups were assessed using Pearson chi-square test. Modified Erasmus GBS Outcome Score (mEGOS) for the ability to walk after GBS was calculated for all cases with sufficient clinical data, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to study the effect of vaccine type on the relationship between vaccination time and complication of GBS. RESULTS About 103 studies describing 175 cases of GBS following COVID-19 vaccination were included. The Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy subtype was the most reported subtype with 74 cases (42.29%). The affected age group averaged around 53.59 ±18.83 years, with AMSAN occurring in a rather older group (63.88 ±20.87 years, p=0.049). The AstraZeneca vaccine was associated with AIDP (n=38, 21.71%) more than other vaccines, p=0.02. The bilateral facial palsy subtype was mostly linked to adenoviral vector vaccinations, accounting for an average of 72% of the total BFP cases. Dysesthesias was the most reported sensory complication (60%, p=0.349). Most GBS patients survived (96%, p=0.036), however, most patients had low mEGOS scores (4 ±3.57, p<0.01). On average, patients developed GBS at 13.43 ±11.45 days from vaccination (p=0.73), and survival analysis for complication of GBS into mechanical ventilation or walking impairment yielded a severely increased probability of complication after 25 days (p<0.01). Intravenous immunoglobulins (p=0.03) along with rehabilitation (p=0.19) were the most commonly used treatment. CONCLUSION This work investigates the incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination. Most cases occurred after receiving the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, and despite low mortality rates, ambulation was compromised in most patients. A higher risk of GBS complication is associated with an onset later than 12-13 days, particularly with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna vaccines. No specific predisposing or prognostic factor was identified, and the relation between the COVID-19 vaccines and GBS remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad T Abuawwad
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad J J Taha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmad J Taha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmeena Abdelall Kozaa
- Mansoura Manchester Programme For Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Obaida Falah
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim T Abuawwad
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Mohamed Hammad
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Mahmoud
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Aladawi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hashem Abu Serhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamad Medical Corporations, Doha, Qatar.
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Finsterer J. Before attributing facial diplegia to neuroborreliosis, a plethora of differential diagnoses must be ruled out. Croat Med J 2024; 65:68-69. [PMID: 38433515 PMCID: PMC10915772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Josef Finsterer, Neurology Department, Neurology and Neurophysiology Center, Vienna, Austria,
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Tayebi A, Samimisedeh P, Jafari Afshar E, Mahmoudnia S, Milan N, Ayati A, Madady A, Rastad H. Neuromuscular diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review and pooled analysis of 258 patients. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:437. [PMID: 38082244 PMCID: PMC10712145 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) emerged as one of the main side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We pooled and summarized the evidence on the clinical features and outcomes of NMD associated with COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS We comprehensively searched three databases, Medline, Embase, and Scopus, using the key terms covering "Neuromuscular disease" AND "COVID-19 vaccine", and pooled the individual patient data extracted from the included studies. RESULTS A total of 258 NMD cases following COVID-19 have been reported globally, of which 171 cases were Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), 40 Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), 22 Myasthenia Gravis (MG), 19 facial nerve palsy (FNP), 5 single fiber neuropathy, and 1 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. All (100%) SFN patients and 58% of FNP patients were female; in the remaining NMDs, patients were predominantly male, including MG (82%), GBS (63%), and PTS (62.5%). The median time from vaccine to symptom was less than 2 weeks in all groups. Symptoms mainly appeared following the first dose of vector vaccine, but there was no specific pattern for mRNA-based. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccines might induce some NMDs, mainly in adults. The age distribution and gender characteristics of affected patients may differ based on the NMD type. About two-thirds of the cases probably occur less than 2 weeks after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Tayebi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Parham Samimisedeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Elmira Jafari Afshar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Saeideh Mahmoudnia
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nesa Milan
- Center of Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research (COTAR), Department of Orthopedics, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aryan Ayati
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aryan Madady
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hadith Rastad
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Lehmann HC, Oberle D, Keller-Stanislawski B, Rieck T, Streit R. Rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination, Germany, December 2020 to August 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200744. [PMID: 37318764 PMCID: PMC10318936 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.24.2200744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been associated with vaccination against COVID-19.AimWe aimed to compare clinical characteristics and analyse excess GBS cases following administration of different COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in Germany versus the expected numbers estimated from pre-pandemic background incidence rates.MethodsWe analysed safety surveillance data reported to the German national competent authority between 27 December 2020 and 31 August 2021. GBS cases were validated according to Brighton Collaboration (BC) criteria. We conducted observed vs expected (OvE) analyses on cases fulfilling BC criteria levels 1 to 4 for all four European Medicines Agency-approved COVID-19 vaccines and for influenza vaccines.ResultsA total of 214 GBS cases after COVID-19 vaccination had been reported, of whom 156 were eligible for further analysis. Standardised morbidity ratio estimates 3-42 days after vaccination were 0.34 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.44) for Comirnaty, 0.38 (95% CI: 0.15-0.79) for Spikevax, 3.10 (95% CI: 2.44-3.88) for Vaxzevria, 4.16 (95% CI: 2.64-6.24) for COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.35-0.94) for influenza vaccines. Bilateral facial paresis was reported in 19.7% and 26.1% of the 156 GBS cases following vaccination with Vaxzevria and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, respectively, and only in 6% of cases exposed to Comirnaty.ConclusionThree and four times more GBS cases than expected were reported after vaccination with Vaxzevria and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, respectively, therefore GBS might be an adverse event of vector-based vaccines. Bifacial paresis was more common in cases with GBS following vaccination with vector-based than mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmar C Lehmann
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Leverkusen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Doris Oberle
- Division of Safety of Biomedicines and Diagnostics, Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Brigitte Keller-Stanislawski
- Division of Safety of Biomedicines and Diagnostics, Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rieck
- Robert Koch Institute, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renz Streit
- Division of Safety of Biomedicines and Diagnostics, Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
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Boruah AP, Heydari K, Wapniarski AE, Caldwell M, Thakur KT. Neurological Considerations with COVID-19 Vaccinations. Semin Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37094803 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination significantly outweigh its risks on a public health scale, and vaccination has been crucial in controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, several reports of adverse events following vaccination have been published.To summarize reports to date and assess the extent and quality of evidence regarding possible serious adverse neurological events following COVID-19 vaccination, focusing on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines in the United States (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S).A review of literature from five major electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) was conducted between December 1, 2020 and June 5, 2022. Articles included in the review were systematic reviews and meta-analysis, cohort studies, retrospective studies, case-control studies, case series, and reports. Editorials, letters, and animal studies were excluded, since these studies did not include quantitative data regarding adverse side effects of vaccination in human subjects.Of 149 total articles and 97 (65%) were case reports or case series. Three phase 3 trials initially conducted for BNT162b2, MRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S were included in the analysis.The amount and quality of evidence for possible neurological adverse events in the context of FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccinations is overall low tier. The current body of evidence continues to suggest that COVID-19 vaccinations have a high neurological safety profile; however, the risks and benefits of vaccination must continue to be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha P Boruah
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP), New York, NY
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kimia Heydari
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP), New York, NY
| | - Anne E Wapniarski
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP), New York, NY
| | - Marissa Caldwell
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP), New York, NY
| | - Kiran T Thakur
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP), New York, NY
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Reddy YM, Murthy JMK, Osman S, Jaiswal SK, Gattu AK, Pidaparthi L, Boorgu SK, Chavan R, Ramakrishnan B, Yeduguri SR. Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: how is it different? a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2023; 12:143-155. [PMID: 37214140 PMCID: PMC10193105 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.2.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose An association between Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination has been reported. We aimed to summarize the clinical features of GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and determine the contrasting features from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) associated GBS and GBS following other causes. Materials and Methods We performed PubMed search for articles published between 1 December 2020 and 27 January 2022 using search terms related to "SARS-CoV-2 vaccination" and "GBS". Reference searching of the eligible studies was performed. Sociodemographic and vaccination data, clinical and laboratory features, and outcomes were extracted. We compared these findings with post-COVID-19 GBS and International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) (GBS from other causes) cohorts. Results We included 100 patients in the analysis. Mean age was 56.88 years, and 53% were males. Six-eight received non-replicating virus vector and 30 took messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. The median interval between the vaccination and the GBS onset was 11 days. Limb weakness, facial palsy, sensory symptoms, dysautonomia, and respiratory insufficiency were seen in 78.65%, 53.3%, 77.4%, 23.5%, and 25%, respectively. The commonest clinical and electrodiagnostic subtype were sensory-motor variant (68%) and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (61.4%), respectively. And 43.9% had poor outcome (GBS outcome score ≥3). Pain was common with virus vector than mRNA vaccine, and the latter had severe disease at presentation (Hughes grade ≥3). Sensory phenomenon and facial weakness were common in vaccination cohort than post-COVID-19 and IGOS. Conclusion There are distinct differences between GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and GBS due to other causes. Facial weakness and sensory symptoms were commonly seen in the former and outcomes poor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Syed Osman
- Department of Neurology, CARE Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Roshan Chavan
- Department of Neurology, CARE Hospital, Hyderabad, India
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Ogunjimi OB, Tsalamandris G, Paladini A, Varrassi G, Zis P. Guillain-Barré Syndrome Induced by Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e37578. [PMID: 37193456 PMCID: PMC10183219 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious immune-mediated neurological condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nervous system. Two-thirds of cases of GBS are diagnosed following infection; however, vaccination has also been linked to GBS pathogenesis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the prevalence of GBS following vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, describe the clinical and neurophysiological characteristics, and identify potential determinants. A systematic review of the literature regarding post-vaccination GBS was conducted using the PubMed database. Seventy papers were included. The pooled prevalence of GBS after vaccination against COVID-19 per has been established to be 8.1 (95% CI 30-220) per 1,000,000 vaccinations. Vaccination with vector vaccines - but not mRNA - has been associated with an increased risk of GBS. More than 80% of the patients developed GBS within 21 days following the first dose of the vaccination. The interval between the vaccination and GBS was shorter in patients who were vaccinated with mRNA versus vector vaccines (9.7±6.7 days versus 14.2±6.6 days). Epidemiological findings regarding post-vaccination GBS revealed a higher prevalence in males and people between the ages of 40 and 60 years, with a mean age of 56.8±16.1 years. The most common type was the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy type. Most cases responded well to treatment. In conclusion, vaccination against COVID-19 with vector vaccines seems to increase the risk of GBS. GBS occurring following vaccination does differ in characteristics from GBS during the pre-COVID-19 era.
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Samim M, Dhar D, Arshad F, Anudeep D, Patel VG, Neeharika SR, Dhamija K, Ravindranath CM, Yadav R, Raja P, Netravathi M, Menon D, Holla VV, Kamble NL, Pal PK, Nalini A, Vengalil S. Co-VAN study: COVID-19 vaccine associated neurological diseases- an experience from an apex neurosciences centre and review of the literature. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 108:37-75. [PMID: 36586226 PMCID: PMC9780646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown various neurological adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccine. OBJECTIVE We aimed to retrospectively review and report the neurological diseases temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of admitted patients from 1st February 2021 to 30th June 2022. A total of 4672 medical records were reviewed of which 51 cases were identified to have neurological illness temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS Out of 51 cases, 48 had probable association with COVID-19 vaccination while three had possible association. Neurological spectrum included CNS demyelination (n = 39, 76.5 %), Guillain-Barré-syndrome (n = 3, 5.9 %), stroke (n = 6, 11.8 %), encephalitis (n = 2, 3.9 %) and myositis (n = 1, 2.0 %). Female gender had a greater predisposition (F:M, 1.13:1). Neurological events were more commonly encountered after the first-dose (n = 37, 72.5%). The mean latency to onset of symptoms was 13.2 ± 10.7 days after the last dose of vaccination. COVIShield (ChAdOx1) was the most commonly administered vaccine (n = 43, 84.3 %). Majority of the cases with demyelination were seronegative (n = 23, 59.0 %) which was followed by anti-Myelin oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein associated demyelination (MOGAD) (n = 11, 28.2 %) and Neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD) (n = 5, 12.8 %). Out of 6 Stroke cases, 2 cases (33.3 %) had thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. At discharge, 25/51 (49.0 %) of the cases had favourable outcome (mRS 0 to 1). Among six patients of stroke, only one of them had favourable outcome. CONCLUSION In this series, we describe the wide variety of neurological syndromes temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Further studies with larger sample size and longer duration of follow-up are needed to prove or disprove causality association of these syndromes with COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Seena Vengalil
- Corresponding author at: Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Faculty Block First Floor, Behind Neurocenter, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029
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11
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Yu M, Nie S, Qiao Y, Ma Y. Guillain-Barre syndrome following COVID-19 vaccines: A review of literature. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1078197. [PMID: 36875094 PMCID: PMC9975597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1078197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to retrospectively analyze reported Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases that occurred after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Case reports of GBS following COVID-19 vaccination that were published before May 14, 2022, were retrieved from PubMed. The cases were retrospectively analyzed for their basic characteristics, vaccine types, the number of vaccination doses before onset, clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, neurophysiological examination results, treatment, and prognosis. Results Retrospective analysis of 60 case reports revealed that post-COVID-19 vaccination GBS occurred mostly after the first dose of the vaccination (54 cases, 90%) and was common for DNA vaccination (38 cases, 63%), common in middle-aged and elderly people (mean age: 54.5 years), and also common in men (36 cases, 60%). The mean time from vaccination to onset was 12.3 days. The classical GBS (31 cases, 52%) was the major clinical classification and the AIDP subtype (37 cases, 71%) was the major neurophysiological subtype, but the positive rate of anti-ganglioside antibodies was low (7 cases, 20%). Bilateral facial nerve palsy (76% vs 18%) and facial palsy with distal paresthesia (38% vs 5%) were more common for DNA vaccination than for RNA vaccination. Conclusion After reviewing the literature, we proposed a possible association between the risk of GBS and the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, especially DNA vaccines. The higher rate of facial involvement and a lower positive rate of anti-ganglioside antibodies may be a characteristic feature of GBS following COVID-19 vaccination. The causal relationship between GBS and COVID-19 vaccination remains speculative, more research is needed to establish an association between GBS and COVID-19 vaccination. We recommend surveillance for GBS following vaccination, because it is important in determining the true incidence of GBS following COVID-19 vaccination, as well as in the development of a more safer vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Neurology, Shenyang First People's Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuang Nie
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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12
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Finsterer J. Facial Diplegia Complicating Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations. Neurohospitalist 2023; 13:113-114. [PMID: 36531850 PMCID: PMC9755607 DOI: 10.1177/19418744221121430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
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13
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Abolmaali M, Rezania F, Behnagh AK, Hamidabad NM, Gorji A, Mirzaasgari Z. Guillain-Barré syndrome in association with COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review. Immunol Res 2022; 70:752-764. [PMID: 36098903 PMCID: PMC9469827 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of worldwide vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), studies have reported a possible association between vaccination and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). In this regard, we conducted a systematic review assessing different demographic, clinical, and neurophysiological aspects of patients with GBS following immunization with COVID-19 vaccines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed. Articles in English between January 2020 and November 2021 were included. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, vaccines information, treatment approaches, and outcomes were extracted. The data of a total of 88 patients out of 41 studies was included. The mean age of patients was 58.7 ± 16.6 years and 55 cases (62.5%) were male. AstraZeneca was the most-reported vaccine associated with GBS with 52 cases (59.1%) followed by Pfizer with 20 cases (22.7%). GBS occurred after the first dose of vaccination in 70 cases (79.5%). The mean time interval between vaccination and symptom onset was 13.9 ± 7.4 days. Limb weakness (47.7%), sensory disturbance (38.6%), and facial weakness (27.3%) were the most common reported symptoms, respectively. Albuminocytologic dissociation was seen in 65% of patients who underwent lumbar puncture (n = 65). Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy was the most common GBS subtype, which was reported in 38 patients (43.2%). While one-fifth of patients underwent intubation (n = 17), a favorable outcome was achieved in the majority of subjects (n = 46, 63%). Overall, a small rise in GBS incidence, following various COVID-19 vaccines, was observed. Notably, 85% of affected individuals experienced at least a partial recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Abolmaali
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezania
- Clinical Neurosciences, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Ali Gorji
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universitat Münster, Munster, Germany
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Mirzaasgari
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurology, Firoozgar Hospital, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 15937-48711, Iran.
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14
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Alonso Castillo R, Martínez Castrillo JC. Neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 vaccine. Neurologia 2022:S2173-5808(22)00141-9. [PMID: 36288776 PMCID: PMC9595420 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, giving rise to a pandemic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. In this context, many vaccines have emerged to try to deal with this disease. OBJECTIVE To review the reported cases of neurological manifestations after the application of COVID-19 vaccines, describing clinical, analytical and neuroimaging findings and health outcomes. METHODS We carried out a review through bibliographic searches in PubMed. RESULTS We found 86 articles, including 13 809 patients with a wide spectrum of neurological manifestations temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Most occurred in women (63.89%), with a median age of 50 years. The most frequently reported adverse events were Bell's palsy 4936/13 809 (35.7%), headache (4067/13 809), cerebrovascular events 2412/13 809 (17.47%), Guillain-Barré syndrome 868/13 809 (6.28%), central nervous system demyelination 258/13 809 (1.86%) and functional neurological disorder 398/13 809 (2.88%). Most of the published cases occurred in temporal association with the Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2), followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOX1-S). CONCLUSIONS It is not possible to establish a causal relationship between these adverse events and COVID-19 vaccines with the currently existing data, nor to calculate the frequency of appearance of these disorders. However, it is necessary for health professionals to be familiar with these events, facilitating their early diagnosis and treatment. Large controlled epidemiological studies are necessary to establish a possible causal relationship between vaccination against COVID-19 and neurological adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alonso Castillo
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - J C Martínez Castrillo
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Castillo RA, Castrillo JCM. [NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 VACCINE]. Neurologia 2022:S0213-4853(22)00187-6. [PMID: 36245941 PMCID: PMC9554338 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, giving rise to a pandemic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. In this context, many vaccines have emerged to try to deal with this disease. OBJECTIVE To review the reported cases of neurological manifestations after the application of COVID-19 vaccines, describing clinical, analytical and neuroimaging findings and health outcomes. METHODS We carried out a review through bibliographic searches in PubMed. RESULTS We found 86 articles, including 13,809 patients with a wide spectrum of neurological manifestations temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Most occurred in women (63.89%), with a median age of 50 years. The most frequently reported adverse events were Bell's palsy 4936/13809 (35.7%), headache (4067/13809), cerebrovascular events 2412/13809 (17.47%), Guillain-Barré syndrome 868/13809 (6.28%), central nervous system demyelination 258/13809 (1.86%) and functional neurological disorder 398/13809 (2.88%). Most of the published cases occurred in temporal association with the Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2), followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOX1 nCoV-19). CONCLUSIONS It is not possible to establish a causal relationship between these adverse events and COVID-19 vaccines with the currently existing data, nor to calculate the frequency of appearance of these disorders. However, it is necessary for health professionals to be familiar with these events, facilitating their early diagnosis and treatment. Large controlled epidemiological studies are necessary to establish a possible causal relationship between vaccination against COVID-19 and neurological adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Alonso Castillo
- Servicio de Neurología. Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. Universidad de Alcalá, Spain
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16
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Khurshid M, Ansari I, Ahmad H, Ghaffar H, Khurshid A, Shahid A, Essar MY, Ullah I, Cheema HA. Development of facial palsy following COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 82:104758. [PMID: 36212732 PMCID: PMC9530738 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Reports of facial palsy occurring after the receipt of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns but are rare. The purpose of this study is to systematically assess the association between COVID-19 vaccination and facial palsy. Methods Our systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist and compiled all the reported cases of facial palsy post-COVID-19 vaccination. We discussed the probable pathophysiology behind facial palsy as a consequence of COVID-19 vaccination and measures to be taken for future reference. Furthermore, we conducted a detailed assessment of characteristics, clinical courses, treatment, and recovery of patients with facial palsy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Results We included 37 studies providing data on 58 individuals in our review. Over half (51.72%) of the patients complained of facial paralysis following the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination. Out of 51 cases, most (88.24%) occurred after the 1st dose. The majority (53.45%) of cases had bilateral facial palsy. Intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg), corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis were the first line of treatment with 75.93% of patients partially recovered, including those undergoing treatment or a lack of follow-up till the end while 22.22% had complete symptomatic recovery. Conclusions Our review shows that Bell's palsy can be a plausible non-serious adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccination. However, the association observed between COVID-19 vaccination and Bell's palsy is less threatening than the COVID-19 infection. Hence, vaccination should be encouraged because facial palsy, if it occurs, has shown favourable outcomes with treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maman Khurshid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Iflah Ansari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Ahmad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Ghaffar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aiman Khurshid
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abia Shahid
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
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17
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Rodríguez Y, Rojas M, Beltrán S, Polo F, Camacho-Domínguez L, Morales SD, Gershwin ME, Anaya JM. Autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions after COVID-19 vaccination. New case reports and updated literature review. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102898. [PMID: 36041291 PMCID: PMC9399140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity linked to COVID-19 immunization has been recorded throughout the pandemic. Herein we present six new patients who experienced relapses of previous autoimmune disease (AD) or developed a new autoimmune or autoinflammatory condition following vaccination. In addition, we documented additional cases through a systematic review of the literature up to August 1st, 2022, in which 464 studies (928 cases) were included. The majority of patients (53.6%) were women, with a median age of 48 years (IQR: 34 to 66). The median period between immunization and the start of symptoms was eight days (IQR: 3 to 14). New-onset conditions were observed in 81.5% (n: 756) of the cases. The most common diseases associated with new-onset events following vaccination were immune thrombocytopenia, myocarditis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. In contrast, immune thrombocytopenia, psoriasis, IgA nephropathy, and systemic lupus erythematosus were the most common illnesses associated with relapsing episodes (18.5%, n: 172). The first dosage was linked with new-onset events (69.8% vs. 59.3%, P = 0.0100), whereas the second dose was related to relapsing disease (29.5% vs. 59.3%, P = 0.0159). New-onset conditions and relapsing diseases were more common in women (51.5% and 62.9%, respectively; P = 0.0081). The groups were evenly balanced in age. No deaths were recorded after the disease relapsed, while 4.7% of patients with new-onset conditions died (P = 0.0013). In conclusion, there may be an association between COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Some ADs seem to be more common than others. Vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 may induce autoimmunity through similar mechanisms. Large, well-controlled studies are warranted to validate this relationship and assess additional variables such as genetic and other environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yhojan Rodríguez
- Clínica del Occidente, Bogota, Colombia; Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Santiago Beltrán
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Fernando Polo
- Hospital Infantil de San José, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud. Department of Pathology, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Laura Camacho-Domínguez
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Samuel David Morales
- Hospital Infantil de San José, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud. Department of Pathology, Bogota, Colombia
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Juan-Manuel Anaya
- Clínica del Occidente, Bogota, Colombia; LifeFactors, Rionegro, Colombia.
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18
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Bilateral Facial Weakness with Distal Paresthesia Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Scoping Review for an Atypical Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081046. [PMID: 36009109 PMCID: PMC9406009 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Recent population-based studies from the US and UK have identified an increase in the occurrence of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. However, the localized variant of GBS might be underestimated due to its rarity and atypical features. We aimed to identify and characterize bilateral facial weakness with distal paresthesia (BFWdp) as a GBS variant following COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and Methods: Relevant studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic were searched and identified in the MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases. Results: This review found that 18 BFWdp cases presented characteristics similar to previous BFWdp cases as defined in the literature: male dominance, frequent albuminocytological dissociation, and acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy pattern. In contrast, facial nerve enhancement on brain MRI and antiganglioside antibody positivity were often observed in BFWdp following COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: The mechanism of BFWdp following COVID-19 vaccination appears to be somewhat different from that of sporadic BFWdp. Neurological syndromes with rare incidence and difficulty in diagnosis should be considered adverse events of COVID-19 vaccination.
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19
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Andreozzi V, D'arco B, Pagliano P, Toriello A, Barone P. Bilateral facial palsy after COVID-19 vaccination. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4069-4079. [PMID: 35364768 PMCID: PMC8973678 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-05982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated neuropathy, possibly triggered by a recent infection or vaccination, and driven by an immune attack targeting the peripheral nervous system. GBS typically leads to ascending limb weakness, often with sensory and cranial nerve involvement 1-2 weeks after immune stimulation, but emergency and neurology physicians should be aware of its important clinical heterogeneity. In rare cases, bilateral facial nerve palsy can be the main clinical manifestation, as the case of the variant formerly known as bilateral facial weakness with paresthesias. An increasing number of case reports of GBS in patients receiving COVID-19 vaccination have been reported both during the pre-clinical phase and after large-scale authorities' approval. We report two cases of bifacial palsy with paresthesias, a rare variant of GBS, both occurring after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Vaxzevria™ (formerly COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca), showing a favorable outcome after high-dose immunoglobulin therapy, and discuss the literature of GBS post-COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Andreozzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Beatrice D'arco
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pagliano
- Infective Disease Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Antonella Toriello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Paolo Barone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.
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20
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Chua SKK, Soh QY, Saffari SE, Tan EK. Prognosis of Guillain–Barré Syndrome Linked to COVID-19 Vaccination. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060711. [PMID: 35741597 PMCID: PMC9220921 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been increasing reports of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare but debilitating neurological disease, occurring post-COVID-19 vaccination. However, the outcomes and relationships between patient demographics and clinical outcomes of post-COVID-19 vaccination GBS remain unclear. To bridge this gap, our study investigates the outcomes and clinical factors associated with poorer GBS outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted a review and pooled analysis of detailed data extracted from 57 published cases with the relevant search strategies and criteria. The groups compared included male versus female patients, 1st dose versus 2nd dose and early onset versus late onset of GBS. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to compare the vaccine type, clinical severity and post-treatment outcomes between these groups of patients. Our results highlight for the first time that females were significantly more likely to have severe clinical presentation and poorer outcomes compared to males. Additionally, viral vector vaccines were the predominant vaccine type administered in early-onset post-COVID-19-vaccination GBS and GBS occurring after the 1st vaccination dose. It was also shown that reported cases of post-vaccination GBS generally displayed a positive response to conventional treatment and had favourable post-treatment outcomes. Through this study, we have established important links and provided assuring evidence for treatment response and post-treatment outcomes of GBS occurring post-COVID-19 vaccination. While the COVID-19 vaccination brings about much greater benefits than risks, our findings provide further impetus for greater vigilance in certain patient groups and more studies to explore the mechanisms behind these links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Kai Kiat Chua
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Rd, Singapore 30832, Singapore; (S.K.K.C.); (Q.Y.S.)
| | - Qian Ying Soh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Rd, Singapore 30832, Singapore; (S.K.K.C.); (Q.Y.S.)
| | - Seyed Ehsan Saffari
- National Neuroscience Institute, Duke NUS Medical School, Outram Rd, Singapore 169608, Singapore;
| | - Eng-King Tan
- National Neuroscience Institute, Duke NUS Medical School, Outram Rd, Singapore 169608, Singapore;
- Correspondence:
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21
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Castiglione JI, Crespo JM, Lecchini L, Silveira FO, Luis MB, Cotti N, Simison CJ, Aguirre F, Piedrabuena MA, Alonso RN, Azcona CL, Sosa PS, Maldonado E, Barroso F. Bilateral facial palsy with paresthesias, variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome following COVID-19 vaccine: A case series of 9 patients. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:572-574. [PMID: 35644722 PMCID: PMC9090822 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) associated with COVID-19 vaccination have been reported, including the rare subtype known as Bilateral Facial Palsy with paresthesias (BFP). To date, it is not known whether a causal relationship may exist between the two. We report 9 cases of BFP in patients vaccinated against COVID-19 in the previous month. Nerve conduction studies revealed demyelinating polyneuropathy in 4 patients, and 5 presented bilateral, focal facial nerve involvement, exclusively. Ganglioside antibody panel was positive in 4 patients (anti-GM1=2, anti-GD1a=1 and anti-sulfatide=1). Seven patients received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, one plasma exchange, and one patient died from sudden cardiac arrest following arrhythmia before treatment could be administered. Rates of BFP following COVID-19 vaccination, did not differ from those reported in previous series. Epidemiological studies are essential to determine whether a causal relationship may exist between this rare form of GBS and COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Castiglione
- Neurology Department, Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Montañeses 2325, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina.
| | - J M Crespo
- Neurology Department, Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Montañeses 2325, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; Hospital Nacional Alejandro Posadas, Argentina; Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sanatorio Güemes, Argentina
| | - L Lecchini
- Hospital Nacional Alejandro Posadas, Argentina
| | | | | | - N Cotti
- Sanatorio de los Arcos, Argentina
| | | | - F Aguirre
- Hospital J.M. Ramos Mejía, Argentina
| | | | | | - C L Azcona
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P S Sosa
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Maldonado
- Hospital Nacional Alejandro Posadas, Argentina
| | - F Barroso
- Neurology Department, Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Montañeses 2325, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
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22
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Hot Topics on COVID-19 and Its Possible Association with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, reports of neurological manifestations are increasing. However, despite a high number of case reports and case series on COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré-Syndrome (GBS), a causal association is still highly debated, due to the lack of case-control studies. In this opinion paper, we focus on a few clinically relevant questions regarding the possible link between GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination based on our personal clinical experience and literature review.
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23
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Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Facial Diplegia, and Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. J Emerg Med 2022; 62:426. [PMID: 35065856 PMCID: PMC8554006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Stefanou MI, Karachaliou E, Chondrogianni M, Moschovos C, Bakola E, Foska A, Melanis K, Andreadou E, Voumvourakis K, Papathanasiou M, Boutati E, Tsivgoulis G. Guillain-Barré syndrome and fulminant encephalomyelitis following Ad26.COV2.S vaccination: double jeopardy. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:6. [PMID: 35130960 PMCID: PMC8821852 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00172-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThis correspondence comments on a published article presenting a case of rhombencephalitis following SARS-CoV-2-vaccination with the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech). We also present the case of a 47-year-old man who developed Guillain-Barré-syndrome and a fulminant encephalomyelitis 28 days after immunization with Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson). Based on the presented cases, we underscore the importance of clinical awareness for early recognition of overlapping neuroimmunological syndromes following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we propose that that role of autoantibodies against angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the cell-surface receptor neuropilin-1, which mediate neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, merit further investigation in patients presenting with neurological disorders following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
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25
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Ad26.cov2-s/immune-globulin. REACTIONS WEEKLY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8831166 DOI: 10.1007/s40278-022-09800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Sriwastava S, Shrestha AK, Khalid SH, Colantonio MA, Nwafor D, Srivastava S. Spectrum of Neuroimaging Findings in Post-COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Series and Review of Literature. Neurol Int 2021; 13:622-639. [PMID: 34842783 PMCID: PMC8628885 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint13040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe presentations, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and even death. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved the use of several vaccines. Because vaccines have been fast-tracked for emergency use, the short and long-term safety profile has been an area of concern. The aim of this paper is to extensively review published literature regarding post-COVID-19 vaccination neurological complications and characterize neuroimaging findings from three case presentations for early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The analysis includes data from PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles included were retrieved from database inception beginning December 2020 with no language restrictions. Terms used include "SARS-CoV-2", "post Covid vaccination", "neurological complications", "Guillain-barre Syndrome", "Transverse-myelitis", "Cerebral Venous Sinus thrombosis", and "Cerebral hemorrhage". Results: The literature review yielded several neurological complications post vaccination, including cerebral sinus venous thrombosis, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and optic neuritis, to name a few. Patient case presentation findings were consistent with documented results in published literature. Conclusions: We present a case series with a thorough literature review documenting adverse neurological affects following COVID-19 vaccination. Our case presentations and literature review highlight the importance of neuroimaging when diagnosing post-COVID-19 vaccination adverse effects. MRI imaging study is an important tool to be considered in patients presenting with post-COVID-19 vaccination-related unexplained neurological symptoms for accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitiz Sriwastava
- Department of Neurology, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (M.A.C.); (D.N.)
- West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Syed Hassan Khalid
- Department of Neurology, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Mark A. Colantonio
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (M.A.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Divine Nwafor
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (M.A.C.); (D.N.)
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