Research Information System
NEUROLOGY ASIA, vol.27, no.4, pp.937-944, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
Background & Objective: This study aimed to analyze the frequency Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
subtypes and their relationship with clinical characteristics, seasonal variations and early prognosis
in Van City, Turkey. Methods: Patients with GBS who were admitted between January 2007 and
December 2017 and diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (AIDP), acute motor
axonal neuropathy (AMAN) or acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) were reviewed.
Demographics, season of clinical onset, history and type of preceding infection, the Hughes Disability
Score (HDS) at admission and discharge were recorded. Results: Of a total 100 patients, 51% was
diagnosed with AIDP, 25% with AMAN and the remaining 24% with AMSAN subtype. The most
common seasonal onset was during the spring (34%), followed by the fall (30%). The history of
gastroenteritis (GE) was present in 26% of the patients and these patients were more likely to have
AMAN and AMSAN subtypes. HDS on admission and at discharge were significantly higher in patients
with AMAN and AMSAN compared to those with AIDP (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). The
most important predictor of poor outcome at discharge was HDS on admission explaining between
50% and 80% of the total variance.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of AMAN and AMSAN subtypes in Eastern region of Turkey.
The history of GE, which is also commonly found in patients with GBS in this region, is more likely
detected in patients with AMAN and AMSAN subtypes. Finally, clinical severity on admission is the
most important contributor to clinical outcome at discharge.