Guillain-Barré syndrome: clinical features, treatment choices and outcomes in an Australian cohort.

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) causes acute neuromuscular weakness. Severe cases are life-threatening and many are left disabled. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE), along with supportive care, are the mainstays of treatment. Treatment choice is influenced by multiple factors. The clinico-epidemiological features of GBS in Australia have not been reviewed in 30 years and few studies have assessed contemporary treatment choices.

AIMS: To investigate the clinico-epidemiological features, choice of treatment, clinical course and outcomes of GBS patients in an Australian tertiary metropolitan hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed of GBS presentations to a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, over 5 years. Clinico-epidemiological features, treatment choices, clinical course and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

We reviewed 46 GBS patients (54% male), average age 55 years. Antecedent infection was identified in 61%. Twenty-eight per cent had preceding immunogenic events or conditions. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy was the most common subtype (78%). Cerebrospinal fluid albumino-cytologic dissociation was present in 43%. Electrodiagnostic testing most frequently demonstrated demyelination (64%). Ninety-eight per cent received immunotherapy, mostly IVIg (93%). Twenty-two per cent received further treatment due to treatment-related fluctuations or lack of improvement. Thirteen per cent required ICU admission and 46% needed rehabilitation. There were no deaths or need for mechanical ventilation. Seventy-one per cent of the follow-up cohort had residual disability at 6 months, but this was generally mild.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinico-epidemiological features are consistent with previous cohorts. Our experience in a large Australian tertiary centre demonstrates a clear preference for IVIg over PE.