الملخص الإنجليزي
Objectives: To find the incidence, clinical pattern and outcome
of Guillain-Barre syndrome in the Sultanate of Oman in children
less than 15 years of age.
Methods: All children under fifteen years with acute flaccid
paralysis were admitted to identify the underlying cause. The
diagnosis of Gullain Barre syndrome was made by clinical
criteria, cerebrospinal fluid findings and nerve conduction studies.
Intravenous immunoglobulins were given to all and two needed
plasmapharesis.
Results: Sixty-one children were diagnosed as Guillan-Barré
syndrome and constituted 20% of cases of acute flaccid paralysis.
Males 39 (63.9%) outnumbered females (36.1%).The annual
incidence below 15 years was 0.45/100,000. Cranial nerves
were involved in 31 (50.8%) children. Albumino-cytological
dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid was seen in 42/45(93.3%)
cases. Acute relapse was seen in six (9.8%) cases. Eleven children
(18.3%) needed ventilation. Complete recovery was seen in 45 to
310 days (mean 69.1 days). Three children (4.9%) were left with
minimal residual deficit. There was no mortality.
Conclusions: Guillain Barre syndrome is a serious disease,
although recovery is the rule in children. The disease is associated
with very low mortality and long term morbidity. Immunoglobulins
have reduced the duration of hospital stay and the total time
needed for recovery.
