Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Gullain-Barre Syndrome with or without Respiratory Failure

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the demographic and clinical profile of patients with Gullain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and evaluate their association with in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes of the patients.

Methodology: This Prospective Observational v study was conducted at Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad from January 2019 to June 2023 after ethical approval. A total of 37 patients with GBS syndrome admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) were included using a nonprobability convenient sampling technique. Informed written consent was obtained from all the patients.  The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were noted. The GBS Disability score of each patient was recorded at presentation, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months follow-up. The patient outcomes assessed were in-hospital mortality and functional status. The association of patient outcomes was seen with various demographic and clinical variables. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.

Results: Out of 37 GBS patients, 7(18.9%) patients died. Among the remaining 30 patients, 7(18.9%) patients were able to run, 10(27%) patients were able to walk unaided and 13(35.1%) patients were able to walk with support. Longer length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation and higher GBS disability score at presentation were related to poor outcomes.

Conclusion: In-hospital mortality occurred 18.9% of the patients and 35.14% of the patients had poor functional outcomes. Longer length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation and higher GBS disability score at presentation were the predictors of poor outcomes.

Keywords: Guillain-Barre syndrome; GBS; GBS Disability score