Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Does Age Matter?

• Published in: Neurohospitalist Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 303 - 309
• Main Authors: Briseño-Godínez, Maria Eugenia, Arauz, Antonio, López-Hernández, Juan Carlos, de Saráchaga, Adib Jorge, Pérez-Valdez, Esther Y., May-Más, Raúl Nathanael, López-Hernández, Gabriela, Bazán-Rodriguez, Lisette, Galnares-Olalde, Javier Andrés, León-Manríquez, Elizabeth, Vargas-Cañas, Edwin Steven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Original s; Guillain-Barre syndrome; outcome; elderly adult
• ISSN: 1941-8744; 1941-8752
• DOI: 10.1177/19418744211002676

Introduction: Twenty to 40% of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) patients will not be able to walk independently despite effective treatment. Older patients carry additional risks for worse outcomes. Methods: A single center, ambispective cohort study was performed. Only subjects ≥18 years with a 3-month follow-up were included. Elderly patients were considered as a whole if ≥ 60 years. Demographics, CSF and nerve conduction studies were compared. A binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were carried out to estimate good prognosis (Hugues ≤2) at 3-month follow-up. Results: From 130 patients recruited, 27.6% were elderly adults. They had a more severe disease, higher mEGOS and more cranial nerve involvement. Age ≥70 years, invasive mechanical ventilation and axonal subtype, portrayed an unfavorable 3-month outcome. Further analysis demonstrated an earlier recovery in independent walk at 3 months for patients <70 years. Conclusions: Elderly patients with GBS have a more severe disease at admission and encounter worse prognosis at 3-month follow-up, especially those above 70 years.