Epidemiology of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the province of Quebec.
BACKGROUND
In the province of Quebec, a population-based study of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was conducted at the time of a mass immunization campaign against meningococcal disease, in 2001.


METHODS
The study population included residents aged 2 months to 20 years observed from November 1st, 2000 to December 31, 2002, representing 4,075,465 person-years of observation. GBS cases were identified in the provincial hospital database Med-Echo and medical records were reviewed.


RESULTS
Thirty-three incident GBS cases were identified, including 27 cases of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy. The overall GBS incidence rate was 0.8/100,000 person-years, higher in persons aged 1 to 4 years (2.1/100,000) than in those 5 years or more (0.6/100,000). There was a female preponderance and no significant seasonal variation. All patients survived.


CONCLUSIONS
Results could be used to interpret reports of adverse events associated with the introduction of new vaccines in this age-group in Canada.
Deceuninck
Geneviève
G
Public Health Research Unit, Quebec University Hospital Centre, Quebec City, Canada.
Boucher
Renée-Myriam
RM
De Wals
Philippe
P
Ouakki
Manale
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology
D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines