The Guillain-Barré syndrome at two hospitals in Trinidad, West Indies: a review of 26 patients
Esack, A.; Teelucksingh, S.
West Indian Medical Journal 59(5): 514-517
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3144 PMID: 21473398 Document Number: 644509
Over a four-year period, 26 consecutive patients with Guillain-Barrd syndrome (GBS) were seen. Their ages ranged from 18 months to 68 years. Fifteen were male and 11 female. The crude annual incidence was estimated to be 1.5 per 100,000 population. East Indians made up the majority of the patients. An antecedent infection was reported in 65% of patients. Significant pain was present in halfofthe cohort. F-wave abnormalities were the commonest electrophysiological disturbance. Twenty-nine per cent of patients required ventilation. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment was beneficial in 88% of patients. Eighty-four per cent made a complete or near complete recovery. One patient died.