Human immune globulin infusion in Guillain-Barré syndrome: worsening during and after treatment

Abstract

Because of an unexpectedly high rate of worsening, we report the results of treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome with a standard regimen of human immune globulin (HIG) in 15 consecutive patients. Patients were treated with 1.5 g/kg HIG for 4 days beginning a mean of 7 days after the first symptoms. Eight stabilized or improved, but seven deteriorated during or within the first 5 days after treatment, and four remained ventilator-dependent for at least 2.5 months. One had a severe relapse 5 weeks after treatment. Five patients subsequently received plasma exchange and two improved. Our experience varies from previous reports that have endorsed HIG treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome.