Prospective study of children with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To see the pattern, and outcome of Guillain Barre syndrome in this country.


METHODS
All the children under fifteen years with final diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome formed the subjects of the study. All children with acute flaccid paralysis were investigated for the underlying cause. The diagnosis of Gullain-Barre syndrome was made on clinical criteria, cerebrospinal findings and the nerve conduction studies. Intravenous immunoglobulins were given to all and only two children needed plasmapharesis.


RESULTS
Fifty-two children were seen and constituted 20% of total acute flaccid paralysis cases. Cranial nerves were involved in fifty percent children. Albuminocytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid was seen in 97.5 percent cases. Acute relapse was seen in 11.5%. Seventeen percent required ventilation. The complete recovery was seen in 45 to 282 days (mean 68 days). Three children (5.8%) were left with minimal residual defecit. There was no mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
The Guillain-Barre syndrome, though is a serious disease, recovery is the rule in children. Very low mortality and morbidity is seen. Immunoglobulins have reduced the length of hospital stay and also reduced the total time for recovery.
Koul
Roshan Lal
RL
Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos, Oman. roshankoul@hotmail.com
Alfutaisi
Amna
A
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009850:Oman / Q000453:epidemiology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007155:Immunologic Factors