Abstract
Objectives To compare the clinical profile and long-term outcome of children with asymmetry weakness and symmetry weakness in Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS). Methods We retrospective analysis the clinical parameters, auxiliary examinations and long-term outcome between asymmetry weakness and symmetry weakness in childhood GBS. Results A total of 72 children were included, 12 children had asymmetry weakness. Six children were transient asymmetry weakness and six children were persistent asymmetry weakness. Compared to symmetry weakness children, asymmetry weakness had more preschool children (75% vs 25%, P=0.005), longer days on hospital(26.5(15-37) days vs 11(9-15) days, p =0.000), more mechanical ventilation in children(50% vs 8.33%, p=0.000), higher Disease severity score(DSS)at nadir of disease(4(3-5) vs 3(1-4), p=0.010), more axonal subtypes(50% vs 15%, p=0.013) and more complications(58.33% vs 8.33%, p=0.000). Eight children had sequelae and sixty-four children had good recovery. Compared to good recovery group, sequelae group had more axonal subtypes(62.5% vs 15.63%, p=0.002) and more persistent asymmetry weakness(62.5% vs 4.69%, p=0.000). Conclusions In conclusion, asymmetry weakness had two types in GBS, namely transient and persistent asymmetry weakness. Asymmetry weakness in GBS indicated more complex condition during disease than symmetry weakness. Persistent asymmetry weakness and axonal subtypes in GBS related with sequelae. Anterior horn cells in the spinal cord involvement may be the possible function in persistent asymmetry weakness combined with axonal subtypes in GBS.
The Clinical Features of Asymmetry Weakness in Childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome: The Outcome and 5-year Follow-up