Disease and Patient Characteristics Contributing to Diagnostic Delays in Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Introduction

Diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) is often made clinically. Certain patient and disease characteristics can cause delays in diagnosis and management.

Methods

Observational retrospective study of forty-four patients diagnosed with GBS either clinically, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and/or by electro-diagnostic criteria at a teaching hospital (University of Missouri Hospital) in Columbia, Mid-Missouri between 2011 and 2017.

Results

Patients with coexisting neurological conditions had statistically significant delay in diagnosis of GBS [Mean (SD); 13 ± 5 vs. 9.39 ± 4.7; p = 0.03]. Patients presenting with motor + symptoms (sensory and/or autonomic, in addition to motor), compared to those with only motor symptoms had statistically significant delay in diagnosis of GBS [Mean (SD); 11.90 ± 5 vs. 8.58 ± 4; p = 0.04]. Discussion: Presence of co-existing neurological conditions, and motor + symptoms can delay timely diagnosis and management of GBS.