Ten-year Investigation of Clinical and Laboratory Findingsin children with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Sari Bou-Ali Sina Hospital

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder that has different clinical and pathologic findings. Its diagnosis is based on clinical findings. This study aimed at investigating the characteristics of the disease in a region in north of Iran.

In this descriptive-analytical study, the records (2008-2018) of children under the age of 15 years old admitted to a third level referral center due to GBS were studied. Demographic and clinical findings, laboratory, electrophysiological, medical history, and treatment records were investigated.

During this period, 37 cases of GBS were admitted.  There were 27 (73%) boys (P= 0.005). The median age was lower in boys (4 years) than girls (7 years) (P=0.034). Of these cases, 35.1% were recorded in winter, 29.7% in autumn, 18.9% in spring, and 16.2% in summer (P>0.05). The most common underlying conditions were upper airway infections (59.46%, n=22), followed by diarrhea (24.3%, n=9). Among the cases, there were 54.1% afebrile. The most common neurological findings were muscle weakness (97.3%), limping (75.7%), and ataxia (37.8%). The most common forms of the disease were demyelinating (64.9%), motion-sensory-axonal (21.6%), and motion-axonal (13.5%). In those with demyelinating type, 79% recovered completely.

In our study, boys were admitted more often than girls due to GBS, and the age of onset was lower in boys. The demyelinating form of the disease was the most common form which was associated with best neurological prognosis.