Guillain-Barré syndrome: surveillance and cost of treatment strategies - Authors' reply

An updated review on Guillain-Barré syndrome: Challenges in infection prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition that can be potentially life-threatening. Guillain-Barré syndrome does not have a definitive etiological agent. It is a syndrome that can arise from multiple factors, including various infectious diseases and immunizations. The severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome is exacerbated by these variables, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where healthcare systems are already constrained and struggle to meet the demands of other diseases. The primary aim of our article is to comprehensively examine the life-threatening nature and intensity of Guillain-Barré syndrome by assessing its etiology, progression, and prevalence in low- and middle-income nations while also considering global trends. Furthermore, we proposed the implementation of standard and efficacious treatment and diagnostic resources that are readily accessible and successful in affluent nations and should also be readily accessible in impoverished nations without any unnecessary delay. Our study also emphasized the epidemiological data with molecular epidemiological analysis and the utilization of artificial technology in low- and middle-income nations. The goal was to decrease the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome cases and facilitate early detection.

Long-term atomoxetine-oxybutynin combination use may be beneficial for the prevention of obstructive sleep apnea

One recent study showed that atomoxetine-oxybutynin combination (AOC) use is effective in reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. We used a nationwide database to examine the association between AOC use and the risk of OSA incidence. This retrospective cohort study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between the years 2000 and 2015. The patients who used atomoxetine or oxybutynin were included as an exposed cohort. The exposed and unexposed groups were selected in a ratio of 1:3 with sex, age, and index year matching. We used the multivariate Cox proportional regression model to evaluate the association between AOC use and the risk of an incident diagnosis of OSA. The incidence rates of OSA in the exposed cohort (N = 8940) and the unexposed cohort (N = 26,820), were 21.92 and 22.93 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio of oxybutynin use only and AOC with a treatment duration of ≥ 366 days were 0.307 (95% CI 0.204-0.995, P = 0.045) and 0.299 (95% CI 0.102-0.933, P = 0.002), respectively. Long-term atomoxetine-oxybutynin combination therapy may be beneficial to reduce the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Further studies to examine these mechanisms are warranted.

Guillain-Barré syndrome in low-income and middle-income countries: challenges and prospects

The epidemiology, clinical characteristics, management and outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) differ between low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC). At present, limited data are available on GBS in LMIC and the true incidence of GBS in many LMIC remains unknown. Increased understanding of GBS in LMIC is needed because poor hygiene and high exposure to infections render populations in LMIC vulnerable to GBS outbreaks. Furthermore, insufficient diagnostic and health-care facilities in LMIC contribute to delayed diagnosis in patients with severe presentations of GBS. In addition, the lack of national clinical guidelines and absence of affordable, effective treatments contribute to worse outcomes and higher mortality in LMIC than HIC. Systematic population-based surveillance studies, cohort and case-control studies are required to understand the incidence and risk factors for GBS. Novel, targeted and cost-effective treatment strategies need to be developed in the context of health system challenges in LMIC. To ensure integrative rehabilitation services in LMIC, existing prognostic models must be validated, and responsive outcome measures that are cross-culturally applicable must be developed. Therefore, fundamental and applied research to improve the clinical management of GBS in LMIC should become a critical focus of future research programmes.

HyperCKemia in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with hyperCKemia. We retrospectively identified 139 patients with GBS at 2 teaching hospitals in South Korea. We excluded patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome (n = 19), acute bulbar palsy (n = 3), and those whose serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were not measured (n = 45). Twelve of 72 patients (16.7%) had transient hyperCKemia, defined as serum CK ≥300 IU/L. The frequency of male sex and non-demyelinating electrodiagnostic features were higher in patients with hyperCKemia than those without. Transient hyperCKemia, occasionally seen in patients with GBS may be associated with the non-demyelinating subtype.

Stimulants associated with reduced risk of hospitalization for motor vehicle accident injury in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-a nationwide cohort study

Background

The risk of injury directly related to hospitalization for motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients has not been thoroughly understood. Our study aimed to examine the association between the OSA and the hospitalization for an MVA injury.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between 2000 and 2015. The OSA patients aged ≥20 years by age, sex, and index-year matched by non-OSA controls were enrolled (1:3). We used the Cox proportional regression model to evaluate the association between the OSA and the hospitalization for an MVA injury.

Results

The incidence rate of hospitalization for an MVA injury was higher in the OSA cohort (N = 3025) when compared with the non-OSA controls (N = 9075), as 575.3 and 372.0 per 100,000 person-years, respectively (p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the OSA cohort had a significantly higher incidence of hospitalization for the MVA injury (log-rank test, p < 0.001). After adjusting for the covariates, the risk of hospitalization for the MVA injury among the OSA was significantly higher (hazard ratio [HR] =2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.79–2.64; p < 0.001). Stimulants usage was associated with a nearly 20% decrease in the risk of an overall hospitalization for an MVA injury in the OSA patients.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that patients with OSA are at a two-fold higher risk of developing hospitalization for an MVA injury, and the usage of modafinil and methylphenidate was associated with a lower risk of an overall hospitalization for the MVA injury.

Is Agomelatine Associated with Less Sedative-Hypnotic Usage in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder? A Nationwide, Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

To examine the association between the usage of agomelatine in patients with major depressive disorder and the usage of sedative-hypnotics.

METHODS

This population-based, cross-sectional study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between 2012 and 2015. The agomelatine-only group and matched control (1:3) with the usage of other antidepressants were enrolled. The association between the usage of the agomelatine and other antidepressants and the usage of sedative-hypnotics in the patients were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 7961 subjects were enrolled comprising 1985 with the usage of agomelatine only, and 5976 with other antidepressants. In the present study, a total of 3322 subjects who used the sedative-hypnotics were recorded, with 811 (40.86%) from the agomelatine-only group and 2511 (42.02%) from the non-agomelatine group, which have used sedative-hypnotics. After adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio (OR) of the usage of sedative-hypnotics in the agomelatine only-group was 0.892 (95% CI: 0.306-1.601, p = 0.533), in comparison to the controls, and the relative risk (RR) of the usage of sedative-hypnotics in the agomelatine only-group was 0.910 (95% CI: 0.312-1.633, p = 0.520), in comparison to the controls. No matter as to whether the treatment duration was <30 days or ≧ 30 days of agomelatine treatment was not associated with the increased usage of the sedative-hypnotics. The OR or RR for usage of the sedative-hypnotics was associated with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores as 2, 3, and ≧ 4, and the medical care from the medical center and regional hospital.

CONCLUSION

Patients with the agomelatine-only group were not associated with the usage of sedative-hypnotics in comparison to the group using other antidepressants.

Asymptomatic filariasis and leprosy co-morbidity in a patient with suspected Guillain-Barrè syndrome: the first case report of an incidental finding in a slit-skin smear

INTRODUCTION

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are both endemic in India. These diseases are on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as they affect the most marginalized communities in the world, resulting in deformities and functional limitation. We report the first case of asymptomatic filariasis and leprosy co-morbidity in a patient with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old male who was a farmer by occupation presented to the Neurology Outpatient Department (OPD) of our institute with complaints of weakness in all four limbs for the last 15 days. After admission, a detailed history revealed that the patient had been taking multi-drug therapy (MDT) for leprosy for the previous 6 months. After symptomatic management of the presenting complaints, the patient was sent to the Department of Microbiology for a consultation and six-site slit-skin sampling. The initial screening of Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN)-stained smears under a 10× objective led to the incidental finding of sheathed structures resembling microfilaria (Mf) on the smear made from ear lobules. In addition, short acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were also observed under the oil-immersion objective.

CONCLUSION

We emphasize that a high index of suspicion and thorough screening of smears by a microbiologist is essential in specimens obtained from any body site.

The Risk of Hospitalization for Motor Vehicle Accident Injury in Narcolepsy and the Benefits of Stimulant Use: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the risk of hospitalization for motor vehicle accident injury (MVAI) in patients with narcolepsy and the effects of stimulant use on MVAI occurrence in patients with narcolepsy.

METHODS

This is a population-based, retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2013. We included patients with narcolepsy based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, 347. The case and matched control participants were selected in a ratio of 1:3, and the traffic accident (ICD-9-CM codes: E810-E819) plus injury codes (ICD-9-CM codes: 800.xx-999.xx) due to MVAI following hospitalization were used for the study outcome. The type of injury, causes, intentionality, and the effects of stimulant use on patients with narcolepsy were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,316 participants were enrolled, including 329 participants with narcolepsy and 987 participants without narcolepsy. During a 14-year follow-up period, a total of 104 participants had MVAI, of whom 47 (1,559.54 per 100,000 person-years) belonged to the narcolepsy cohort and 57 (556.21 per 100,000 person-years) to the non-narcolepsy cohort. After adjusting for covariates, the risk of hospitalization for MVAI among participants with narcolepsy was still significantly higher than those without narcolepsy (adjusted hazard ratio = 6.725; 95% confidence interval = 4.421-10.231; P < .001). The use of modafinil or methylphenidate, as monotherapy or combined treatment, was associated with a lower risk of MVAI in the narcolepsy cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with narcolepsy may have a higher risk of hospitalization for MVAI and stimulant use could mitigate such risk.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Adolescents and the Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study has investigated the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and acute stroke, among children and adolescents (age younger than 20 years) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

In this study, the population-based National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan was used to identify patients in whom OSA had been first diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. Children and adolescents with OSA (n = 6,535) were included with 1:3 ratio by age, sex, and index year of control participants without OSA (n = 19,605). The Cox proportional regression model was used to evaluate the risk of MACEs in this cohort study.

RESULTS

After a 15-year follow-up, the incidence rate of MACEs was higher in the OSA cohort when compared with the non-OSA control cohort (15.97 and 8.20 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). After adjusting for covariates, the risk of MACEs among children and adolescents with OSA was still significantly higher (hazard ratio = 2.050; 95% confidence interval = 1.312-3.107; P = .010). No MACEs were found in the children and adolescents with OSA who received continuous airway positive pressure treatment or pharyngeal surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a significantly higher risk of MACEs in children and adolescents with OSA. These findings strongly suggest that clinicians should provide careful follow-up and medical treatment for children and adolescents with OSA.

Increased Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in Allergic Diseases: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and psychiatric disorders, are major health issues. There have been reports that allergic diseases were associated with depression or anxiety disorders. This study aimed to investigate the association between these allergic diseases and the risk of developing overall psychiatric disorders in patients from Taiwan.

METHODS

This cohort study used the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. A total of 186,588 enrolled patients, with 46,647 study subjects who had suffered from allergic diseases, and 139,941 controls matched for sex and age, from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Dataset of 2000-2015, were selected from a sub-dataset of the National Health Insurance Research Database. Fine and Gray's competing risk model analysis was used to explore the hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval, for the risk of allergic diseases being associated with the risk of developing psychiatric disorders during the 15 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the study subjects, 5,038 (10.8%) developed psychiatric disorders when compared to 9,376 (6.7%) in the control group, with significant difference (p < 0.001). Fine and Gray's competing risk model analysis revealed that the adjusted HR was 1.659 (95% CI = 1.602-1.717, p < 0.001). In this study, we found that the groups of atopic dermatitis alone and the allergic rhinitis + atopic dermatitis were associated with a lower risk of psychiatric disorders, but all the other four groups, such as bronchial asthma alone, allergic rhinitis alone, bronchial asthma + allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma + atopic dermatitis, and the combination of all these three allergic diseases, were associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSION

Allergic diseases are therefore associated with a 1.66-fold increased hazard of psychiatric disorders in Taiwan.

Risk of psychiatric disorders in Guillain-Barre syndrome: A nationwide, population-based, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-related neurological disorder with high mortality and morbidity, but the comorbid psychiatric disorders garnered little attention in the GBS patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between GBS and the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

A total of 18,192 enrolled patients, with 4548 study subjects who had suffered GBS, and 13,644 controls matched for gender and age, from the Inpatient Dataset of 2000-2013 in Taiwan, and selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). After adjusting for confounding factors, Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to compare the risk of developing psychiatric disorders during the 13years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the study subjects, 471 (10.35%) developed psychiatric disorders when compared to 1023 (7.50%) in the control group. Fine and Gray's competing risk model analysis revealed that the study subjects were more likely to develop psychiatric disorders (crude hazard ratio [HR]: 4.281 (95% CI=3.819-4.798, p<0.001). After adjusting for gender, age, monthly income, urbanization level, geographic region, and comorbidities, the adjusted HR was 4.320 (95% CI=3.852-4.842, p<0.001). Dementia, depressive disorders, sleep disorders, and psychotic disorders predominate in these psychiatric disorders. Mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis are associated with a lower risk of dementia when compared to the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who suffered from GBS had a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, and this finding should act as a reminder to the clinicians that a regular psychiatric follow-up might well be needed for those patients.