Childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is characterized by the acute onset of rapidly progressive, symmetric muscle weakness with absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes. GBS is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in childhood, with an incidence of 0.6-4 per 100 000 population per year. The clinical features are distinct and obtaining patient's history and conducting an examination generally lead to the diagnosis that can be confirmed by supportive laboratory tests and electrodiagnostic studies. The major considerations in differential diagnosis include transverse myelities, toxic neuropathy, tick paralysis, infantile butolism and myasthenia gravis. Although most children with GBS have a relatively benign clinical course, some become quite ill and require intubation with intensive care monitoring. Immunomodulating treatment should be used for any child who loses the ability to walk.