Disease and Patient Characteristics Contributing to Diagnostic Delays in Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) is often made clinically. Certain patient and disease characteristics can cause delays in diagnosis and management. Methods: Observational retrospective study of forty-four patients diagnosed with GBS either clinically, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and/or by electro-diagnostic criteria at a teaching hospital (University of Missouri Hospital) in Columbia, Mid-Missouri between 2011 and 2017. Results: Patients with coexisting neurological conditions had statistically significant delay in diagnosis of GBS [Mean (SD); 13 ± 5 vs. 9.39 ± 4.7; p = 0.03]. Patients presenting with motor + symptoms (sensory and/or autonomic, in addition to motor), compared to those with only motor symptoms had statistically significant delay in diagnosis of GBS [Mean (SD); 11.90 ± 5 vs. 8.58 ± 4; p = 0.04]. Discussion: Presence of co-existing neurological conditions, and motor + symptoms can delay timely diagnosis and management of GBS.

Keywords: GBS; demyelination; diagnostic delays; immune mediated neuropathies; polyneuropathy.

Figure 1

Consort diagram for patient identification.