Chronic hepatitis B exacerbated by Guillain-Barré syndrome: a report of two cases
Han, H.F.; Wu, J.C.; Huo, T.I.; Kao, K.P.; Huang, Y.H.; Chang, F.Y.; Lee, S.D.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 62(9): 652-656
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1337 PMID: 10502859 Document Number: 498341
Several neurologic complications involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems due to acute viral hepatitis have been described, but Guillain-Barré (G-B) syndrome occurring as a complication of chronic viral hepatitis is extremely rare. Although it is generally agreed that G-B syndrome develops as an immune-mediated reaction, its exact pathogenesis remains obscure. We report the cases of two patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection acutely exacerbated by the development of G-B syndrome. G-B syndrome was diagnosed by nerve conduction velocity studies, electromyographic studies and a rise in acellular total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (albumino-cytologic dissociation). In these two patients, we were able to accurately define the relationship between the onset of acute exacerbation of chronic HBV infection and G-B syndrome. The neurologic symptoms of G-B syndrome resolved with the return of liver enzymes to normal. Interferon therapy may be beneficial in relieving neurologic symptoms in patients with HB infection-related G-B syndrome.