Efficacy of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Management of Guillain Barre Syndrome

A total number of 40 respondents consisting of 20 subjects of Guillain barre syndrome in each group treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (case) and without IVIg were selected during the study period. Out of 20 cases, 12 (60%) were male and 8 (40%) were females, ratio 1.5:1. Majority of the cases were presented at second or third decade of life. In control group, 11 (55%) were male and 9 (45%) female, ratio 1.22:1. Majority of the patients had history of upper respiratory tract infection or acute gastroenteritis 1 4 weeks preceding illness. All the patients had flaccid paralysis in all four limbs with some sensory features without bowel and bladder involvement. Thirteen patients from the case and control groups developed respiratory failure requiring ICU support. Cerebrospinal fluid study showed albumin cytological dissociation. Nerve conduction study showed features of demyelination, axonal loss or both. There was significant improvement of GBS patients treated with IVIg in respect of respiratory function, muscle tone, muscle power, jerks and autonomic function. ICU stay of patients treated with IVIg was significantly shorter. Final outcome of patients treated with IVIg showed one death. There was no death in control group. The patient died probably due to severity of disease and/or comorbid disease.