GUILLAIN BARRE

SYNDROME

ESTRADA, RACHELLE BIARO

COLLEGE OF NURSING
NCM 116, 2nd SY 2020-2021
INTRODUCTION & DEFINITION

Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a rare disorder in which your

body's immune system attacks your nerves (Mayoclinic.org., 2021). The syndrome can
affect the nerves that control muscle movement as well as those that transmit pain,
temperature, and touch sensations (WHO, 2016). These sensations can quickly spread,
eventually paralyzing your whole body (Mayoclinic.org., 2021). It is a rare condition, and
while it is more common in adults and in males, people of all ages can be affected
(WHO, 2016). Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment
(Mayoclinic.org., 2021).

SYMPTOMS

Unexplained sensations often occur first, such as tingling in the feet or hands, or
even pain (especially in children), often starting in the legs or back (Ninds.nih., 2020). In
about 10% of people with the disorder, symptoms begin in the arms or face
(Mayoclinic.org., 2021). Most people reach the greatest stage of weakness within the
first two weeks after symptoms appear; by the third week 90 percent of affected
individuals are at their weakest (Ninds.nih., 2020). Signs and symptoms of Guillain-
Barre syndrome may include: Prickling, pins and needles sensations in your fingers,
toes, ankles, or wrists, weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body,
unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs, difficulty with facial movements,
including speaking, chewing or swallowing, double vision or inability to move eyes,
severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp like and may be worse at night,
difficulty with bladder control or bowel function, rapid heart rate, low or high blood
pressure and difficulty breathing (Mayoclinic.org., 2021). These symptoms can increase
in intensity over a period of hours, days, or weeks until certain muscles cannot be used
at all and, when severe, the person is almost totally paralyzed (Ninds.nih., 2020).
CAUSES

Guillain-Barré syndrome is often preceded by an infection, this could be a

bacterial or viral infection. Guillain-Barré syndrome may also be triggered by vaccine
administration or surgery (WHO, 2016). In rare cases vaccinations may increase the
risk of GBS. Recently, some countries worldwide reported an increased incidence of
GBS following infection with the Zika virus (Ninds.nih., 2020).

RISK FACTORS

Guillain-Barre syndrome may be triggered by: Most commonly, infection with

campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry, influenza virus,
cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, Hepatitis A, B, C and E, HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Surgery, Trauma, Hodgkin's lymphoma,
Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations and COVID-19 infection
(Mayoclinic.org., 2021).

COMPLICATIONS

People with Guillain-Barre may experience: Breathing difficulties, Residual

numbness or other sensations, Heart and blood pressure problems, Pain, Bowel and
bladder function problems, Blood clots, Pressure sores, and Relapse (Mayoclinic.org.
2021).

PROGNOSIS

There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can
ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. Although most people recover
from Guillain-Barre syndrome, the mortality rate is 4% to 7%. Between 60-80% of
people are able to walk at six months (Beaconhealthsystem, 2020).
PREVENTION

Doctors and scientists have not yet determined how to prevent Guillain-Barré
syndrome. Since Guillain-Barré syndrome is not a disease itself, and it is not known
exactly how it occurs, it is difficult to say how GBS could be prevented. Scientists are
concentrating on finding new treatments and refining existing ones. Scientists are also
looking at the workings of the immune system to find which cells are responsible for
beginning and carrying out the attack on the nervous system (OutBreak, Inc., 2020).

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and findings on neurological examination

including diminished or loss of deep-tendon reflexes. A lumbar puncture may be done
for supportive information, though should not delay treatment. Other tests, such as
blood tests, to identify the underlying trigger are not required to make the diagnosis of
GBS and should not delay treatment (WHO, 2016).

TREATMENT

There's no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. But two types of treatments can
speed recovery and reduce the severity of the illness: plasma exchange
(plasmapheresis) and immunoglobulin (Mayoclinic.org. 2021). Use of steroids is not
indicated. Unfavorable prognosis correlates with older age, rapid onset of severe
tetraparesis, early need for ventilator support, less than 20 percent compound muscle
action potential (Olshansky, A., 2008). The goal of treatment is to lessen the severity of
the immune attack and support your body functions, such as lung function, while your
nervous system recovers (Cafasso, J., 2019). People with Guillain-Barre syndrome
need physical help and therapy before and during recovery (Mayoclinic.org. 2021).
REFLECTION

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the most common form of acute flaccid

paralysis in developed countries; it is characterized by rapid and progressive weakness
in the extremities and sensory deficit in most patients. The cause of GBS is unknown
but about three-quarters of patients report an infection in the 3 weeks before disease
onset. Weakness peaks within 4 weeks, and recovery begins within several weeks or
months. GBS can be severe and, despite treatment, about 25% of patients need
artificial ventilation for some time, and about 20% of patients are still unable to walk
unaided after 6 months. Many patients remain severely fatigued for many years.
Treatments for GBS include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange
(PE).

CONCLUSION

GBS was seen in all age groups with slight female predominance. The majority
of the patients had an antecedent history of respiratory tract infection and surgery. The
common symptoms were ascending paralysis, sensory symptoms, and dysphagia. The
in-hospital mortality rate of patients with GBS was 6.45%. The majority of the patients
with GBS had a good functional outcome.
REFERENCES (APA FORMAT)

Ninds.nih, 2020. Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved from:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/guillain-
barr%C3%A9-syndrome-fact-
sheet#:~:text=top%20,What%20are%20the%20symptoms%20of%20GBS%3F,and%20
may%20refuse%20to%20walk

WHO, 2016. Guillain–Barré syndrome. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-

room/fact-sheets/detail/guillain-barr%C3%A9-
syndrome#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20known%20cure,the%20blood%20or%20intra
venous%20immunoglobulin

Mayoclinic.rog, 2020. Guillain-Barre syndrome. Retrieved from:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-
causes/syc-20362793#:~:text=Nerve%20and%20damaged%20myelin%20sheath,-
The%20demyelinating%20form&text=Guillain%2DBarre%20(gee%2DYAH,eventually%
20paralyzing%20your%20whole%20body.

Cafasso, J., 2019. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Retrieved from:

https://www.healthline.com/health/guillain-barre-syndrome

Olshansky, A., 2021. Diagnosis and Treatment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Retrieved

from: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/diagnosis-and-treatment-guillain-barre-
syndrome/2007-08