Guillain-barre syndrome: a paediatric case scenario in a tertiary care hospital at southern India

Abstract

Background: During hospital ward rounds which was conducted as a part of Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum at Caritas Hospital, Thellakom, the first author got a chance to deal with a case of GBS.

Case:12 year old female patient admitted with complaints of weakness on both legs; later diagnosed by the neurologist with demyelinating poly neuropathy and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Aim: The aim of this particular study was to study more about Guillain-Barre Syndrome which is an auto immune disorder involving peripheral nervous system which usually occurring very rarely, affects 1.55 people per 100,000 in the world’s population, and is characterised by flaccid paralysis of limbs. It typically happens as a result of an earlier illness or other triggering events that excite the immune system of the body and result in the development of various antibodies. Materials and Methods: Analyse various case reports published in various scientific databases like PubMed, Medline, CrossRef etc.

Results: This particular case was treated as follows: The treatment involves intravenous infusion of IVIg at a dose which varies according to the weight and severity of condition in each individual. Supplementation with Methyl cobalamin, Alpha lipoic acid, Levo-carnitine, and Vitamin E can improve the neural health and hasten the healing of nerve injuries.

Conclusion: Data till now tells us that out of all GBS diagnosed population, 80% have recovered completely, 15% of patients have shown some neurological disabilities, and 5% have succumb to death. Here, the therapy was successful and the patient got discharged from hospital.