Background and Aim

Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, with variable clinical profile and outcome.We analysed the clinical profile, and  the factors predictive of need for mechanical ventilation and 3 month functional outcome in patients with Guillian Barre syndrome.

Materials and methods– We prospectively recruited patients with Guillian barre syndrome admitted in the Department of General Medicine and  Neuromedicine according to the Asbury Cornblath criteria for Guillian Barre syndrome. The clinical , demographic characteristics ,electrophysiological parameters and 3 month outcome were assessed.The poor outcome was defined as Hughes Motor Scale of more than or equal to three at three months follow up.

Results –  Of the 61 patients ( Mean age 40 ± 14.9 years) recruited, 39 were males.On univariate analysis, the  factors  significantly, associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months were neck flexor weakness(p<0.001), respiratory paralysis(p<0.001),autonomic dysfunction(p<0.001), time to peak deficit <7days(p=0.015) , MRC sum score <30 (p<0.001) and axonal pattern in electrophysiological studies(p<0.001). The predictors of need for mechanical ventilation were neck muscle weakness (p<0.001), cranial nerve 9 and 10 palsy (p=0.033) , autonomic dysfunction (p<0.001) , MRC sum score <30 (p<0.001) and axonal pattern on NCS(p<0.001) . On multivariate analysis, respiratory paralysis was the independent predictor of poor functional outcome at 3 months

Conclusion – Detailed evaluation of the clinical and electrophysiological profile may help in predicting the functionaloutcome and need for mechanical ventilation in patients with GBS.