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Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, serious autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to rapid muscle weakness and sensory changes that often begin in the legs and may spread to the arms and face.
 
Key Features

• Autoimmune origin: GBS typically develops after an infection or, less commonly, surgery or vaccination, when immune cells mistakenly target nerve fibers and damage their myelin insulation.
• Rapid onset: Symptoms usually start with tingling and weakness, beginning in the feet or legs, then progressively affecting the upper body, face, and sometimes the muscles that control breathing.
• Potential for paralysis: Severe cases may cause paralysis and require mechanical ventilation if breathing muscles are affected; hospital treatment and intensive support are often required.
• Variability: The spectrum ranges from mild weakness to nearly complete paralysis, but most people recover, although some may continue to have residual weakness or neurological issues.

Symptoms

• Pins and needles sensation (paresthesia) in fingers, toes, or limbs.
• Progressive muscle weakness, usually symmetric and starting in the lower body.
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or unsteady gait.
• Facial muscle weakness, trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Severe pain, often in the back or legs; may worsen at night.
• Breathing difficulties (life-threatening in severe cases).
• Blood pressure and heart rate abnormalities (autonomic dysfunction).
• Double vision or trouble moving the eyes.
• Bladder and bowel control issues (rare).

Types of GBS

• Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP): Most common in Western countries; weakness starts in lower body and ascends.
• Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS): Paralysis starts in the eyes, often more common in Asia.
• Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN): More frequent in certain countries like China and Japan.

Treatment and Prognosis

• Supportive care, including intensive hospital treatment for severe cases.
• Specific therapies include intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) and plasma exchange.
• Most recover, though some may have lasting weakness; about 5–7% mortality rate.

Epidemiology

• Occurs in about 1–2 cases per 100,000 people annually, affecting both children and adults of all ages, but more common in adults and males.
• May be triggered by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, especially Campylobacter jejuni.

Guillain-Barré syndrome requires prompt medical attention and is treatable, but its complications can be severe and life-threatening.

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