Iqra Athar, Anam Anis, Mansoor Iqbal, Sumaira Nabi, Mazhar Badshah, Syeda Rida.
Evaluation of post therapy functional status and residual weakness of patients with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Pak J Neurological Sci Jan ;15(4):24-9.

Introduction: The annual global incidence of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is approximately 1–2 per 100,000 person-years. Data on Guillain-Barre Syndrome is very rare from Pakistan, we conducted a retrospective study to assess the clinical presentation, and treatment response of these patients. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Neurology Department, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. A total of 45 patients medical record was reviewed and noted. Administrative permission from head of the Department was taken for using the medical record and study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms and the specific laboratory investigations i.e. lumbar puncture for CSF investigation, electromyography and nerve conduction study. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS software. RESULTS: Mean age was 38.7 years, with majority 40 years. Females were predominant 31 (68.9%). Most of the patients had AIDP 25 (55.6%) and AMAN 14 (31.1%) variants. There were 25 (55.6%) patients with preceding infections i.e. gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory tract infection. Most patients presented in Autumn 18 (40.0%) and Summer seasons 14 (31.1%). Plasma exchange treatment was done in 37 (82%), whereas 7 (15.8%) were managed by IV Ig treatment. After treatment fatigue 33(73.2%), and pain 25(55.5%) were frequent symptoms. Majority had improved functional status after treatment, However, 6 (13.3%) patients were able to walk only with help and 5 (11.1%) were bedridden. None of them died. The mean disability rating index was 50.1 ± 15.4. Conclusion: In conclusion, overall, outcome of Guillain-Barre Syndrome patient is favorable, although fatigue and pain remain the common complaints in sequela. It has affected predominantly female population and most patients were below 40 years of age. Almost one fourth cases had no response to therapy and these patients were bedridden or unable to walk without help. KEYWORDS; Clinical features, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Immunotherapy, Plasma exchange, Therapy outcome

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