Guillain-Barré syndrome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Report of three cases

Rev Med Chil. 2021 Dec;149(12):1812-1816. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872021001201812.

Abstract

Several cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) associated with SARS-CoV-2 have been published, most being acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Between April and December 2020, 1,499 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to Hospital del Salvador, in Santiago, Chile, serving a population of 521,920 adults. In the same period, seven cases of GBS were admitted. Three females had a demyelinated type of GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. All three presented with progressive flaccid symmetrical areflexic weakness with inability to walk, one needed intubation and mechanical ventilation due to SARS-CoV2 infection. All had a favorable, rapid response to intravenous immunoglobulin. In two patients, the onset of GBS was almost concomitant with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and GBS has been questioned since no increase of GBS has occurred during the pandemic. However, a rise in GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection could be hidden due to a general decrease of GBS due to the decrease of all other infections. Lack of reporting due to the pandemic could be an added factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • RNA, Viral
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • RNA, Viral