PATTERN OF GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME - A SOUTH INDIAN STUDY

Introduction - GuillainBarreSyndrome is characterised by loss of myelin sheath in the absence of neuronal loss. The incidence is increasing in South Indian population.Objective - To study various pattern and etiology of GuillainBarreSyndrome in South Indian population Methods - We investigated 50 patients at Government General Hospital over a period of 9 months from August 2010. Study included patients with rapidly evolving areflexic motor weakness. History, clinical findings, Neuro Imaging, CSF analysis and Electrophysiologicalfinding were analysed. Secondary causes were also investigated.Results - Guillain BarreSyndrome(GBS) commonly presented in third decade. 60 were associated with gastrointestinal illness,30 with respiratory illness, 4 with pregnancy. 94 had Lower limb onset,2 presented as Miller Fischer Syndrome and 4 had bulbar onset. 28 needed Ventilator assistance. Albuminocytological dissociation was noted in 80. Nerve conduction study showed 50 demyelinating, 30 axonal pattern and 20 mixed pattern. Conclusion - GuillainBarreSyndrome is increasing in south Indian population which most commonly followsgastrointestinal infection against respiratory infection world wide. Among GBS, demyelinating patternswas commonwhich shows good recovery.