Heterotopic ossification in Guillain-Barré syndrome: incidence and effects on functional outcome with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To define the incidence, effects on functional abilities, and possible causation of heterotopic ossification (HO) in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Long-term prospective study on neurologic and functional outcome of GBS patients admitted for rehabilitation.

SETTING

Rehabilitation department, inpatient and outpatient, within a university-affiliated medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

All GBS patients admitted for rehabilitation and followed for a minimum of 3 years.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of HO, factors that may be etiologically significant, and effects on functionality. Data included: medical interventions, Disability Grading Scale, need for assisted ventilation, electrodiagnostic findings, autonomic function, standard neuro-musculo-skeletal evaluation, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Four (6%) of 65 patients had HO, 24 of whom required mechanical ventilation. All had decreased range of motion in the involved hips that affected mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though it has been rarely reported, HO does occur in GBS and affects functional outcome.