Long-term impact on work and private life after Guillain-Barré syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term impact of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) on work and private life of patients and their partners.


METHODS
Three to six years after the onset of GBS 150 patients who participated in the Dutch Guillain-Barré trial received a questionnaire specifically drafted for this study to survey their present psychosocial status. Furthermore, their present physical status was established.


RESULTS
A total of 122 patients participated. Thirty-one percent showed moderate to serious physical residua after a functional assessment. Due to GBS, 38% of the patients who held a job had to change it, 44% altered their leisure activities, 37% of the patients did not function as well at home as before GBS and 39% reported a change in their partners' lives. Almost half of the patients still had negative comments on their present psychosocial situation.


CONCLUSIONS
GBS has a serious long-term impact on the patients' work and private life and that of their partners.
Bernsen
Robert A J A M
RA
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
de Jager
Aeiko E J
AE
Schmitz
Paul I M
PI
van der Meché
Frans G A
FG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011584:Psychology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires