Generalized tetanus could be complicated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with tetanus was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Two of 13 tetanus cases were complicated with GBS. Their symptoms and signs related to GBS improved markedly after a 5-day infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin. Physicians should keep in mind that GBS can be an important cause of muscle weakness in patients with tetanus.
Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, 460, Iksandaero, Iksan 54538, Korea. Electronic address: john7026@wku.ac.kr.
Jae Hoon
JH
Lee
Department of Neurology, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.
Yun Su
YS
Hwang
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.
Ji Hyun
JH
Cho
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
Guillan-Barre syndrome; Tetanus