Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Postpartum Period: Rehabilitation Issues and Outcome - Three Case Reports

Postpartum Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare acute-onset neurological disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of GBS increases after delivery. Labor and delivery presents many possible risk factors for GBS. However, risk factors and prognosis of postpartum GBS remain unclear due to its low incidence. Here, we first present a patient with a history of postpartum GBS who returned for an elective repeat cesarean section (C-section). For her previous delivery, the patient received spinal anesthesia for an urgent C-section. She presented postpartum with jaw pain, facial palsy, respiratory difficulty, progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness, and areflexia. The diagnosis of GBS was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), and electromyography (EMG). Her symptoms of GBS improved after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. The patient also had an Escherichia coli-positive urinary tract infection (UTI), which was treated with nitrofurantoin. For her repeat elective C-section, we performed a dural puncture epidural (DPE) anesthesia. After delivery, she was discharged to home uneventfully. She did not report any new neurological symptoms at her three-week follow-up. Here, we also review published cases of postpartum GBS and discuss peripartum anesthetic considerations for patients with GBS, aiming to inform clinical management of postpartum GBS in the future.

Postpartum Guillain-Barré syndrome: a case report

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system presenting as symmetrical, progressive weakness and areflexia. The incidence of GBS is very low during pregnancy, but the risk increases in the postpartum period. The management is done by intravenous immunoglobulin or conservatively.

Case Presentation

Case of 27 years female with parity 1, living 1, on postpartum day 20 presented to the emergency department (ED) with weakness over legs and hands since 20 days following emergency lower segment cesarean section for her delivery. The weakness prevailed over the lower extremities and progressed to the upper extremities in 4-5 days, affecting her grip strength and ability to stand alone. No history of prior diarrheal or respiratory illness. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. A nerve conduction study showed in-excitable bilateral radial, median, ulnar, and sural nerves. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered at the rate of 0.4 g/kg once daily for 5 days. Patient was discharged after 2 weeks with regular physiotherapy follow-up.

Conclusion

GBS in the postpartum period is very rare. There must be a high degree of suspicion among physicians for GBS if a pregnant female or a woman during her postpartum period presents with ascending muscle paralysis, even if there is no recent antecedent history of diarrheal episodes or respiratory illness. An early diagnosis with multidisciplinary supportive measures helps improve the prognosis for both the mother and the fetus.

Guillain Barre Syndrome following delivery in a pregnant woman infected with SARS-CoV-2

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the neurological system have been investigated. Evidence of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection have recently been reported. A 34-year-old multiparous woman with COVID-19 infection at her 37th (4/7) gestational week was presented here. She was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome at postpartum. As we know recently this was the first case mentioned in the literature. The clinical course of GBS with COVID-19 after childbirth may be similar to GBS patients not infected with COVID-19.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome During the Postpartum Period

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute peripheral neuropathy that manifests with ascending symmetrical and progressive weakness or paralysis with the absence of reflexes. The incidence of this syndrome in pregnancy and postpartum periods is similar to the general population; however, few published clinical cases have been described. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old patient who developed GBS with respiratory distress two weeks after her baby's delivery that required long-term mechanical ventilation. The patient's clinical conditions were significantly improved after the use of immunoglobulins and rehabilitation, and she was discharged. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of developing GBS during pregnancy and postpartum periods.