Prognostic factors for the sequelae and severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children.

INTRODUCTION

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis. Our aim in this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the long-term sequelae of GBS in a French pediatric population.

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective study we evaluated clinical signs, radiological examinations, laboratory tests, treatments, and outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred ten children were included in this investigation. These children presented with walking difficulties, muscle weakness, and cranial nerve impairment. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed 70% with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and 16% with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). One hundred children received immunoglobulins. At follow-up, 77% were cured, whereas 9% had sequelae, associated with an axonal form (P < .01) and a short interval between symptom onset and hospitalization (P < .01). The need for intubation was correlated with peripheral facial paralysis (P < .01) and dysautonomia (P < .01).

DISCUSSION: Although AIDP and AMAN present in a similar way, the axonal form is associated with a worse outcome.