Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Question 1

what kind of disorder is Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Answer 1

Autoimmune

Question 2

patho of guillain barre

Answer 2

myelin sheath is damaged by autoantibodies

Question 3

onset of Guillain Barre

Answer 3

days to weeks following a viral infection

Question 4

Possible eitologies for guillain barre (3)

Answer 4

viral infection

bacterial infection : campylobacter jejuni

Post surgery (5-10%)

Question 5

clinical manifestations of guillain barre

Answer 5

Initially: Weakness/tingling in lower extremities

Ascend descend pattern

Severity of symptoms increases over hours or weeks

Potentially life-threatening if respiratory muscles are involved

Uncoordinated movements
Numbness and decreased sensation
Loss of bowel/bladder control
Blurred vision
Difficulty, breathing, swallowing, chewing

Question 6

guillain barre pharm goal

Answer 6

no known cure

Goal : reduce severity and accelerate revocery

Question 7

therapy used in guillain barre

Answer 7

steroid therapy

High-dose immunoglobulin therapy (IV)

• Shortens severity & duration
• Shortens length of stay

Question 8

prognosis of guillain barre

Answer 8

95% survive
75% completely recover
25-30% have residual weakness after 3 years
About 3% may suffer relapse of muscle weakness & tingling many years post initial attack