FREQUENCY OF AXONAL VARIANTS OF GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of axonal variants in our patients of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration: Department of Neurology, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi and Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM) from 01 Jan 2009 to 30 Jul 2010.
Patients and Methods: Forty adult patients meeting the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke criteria for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) were consecutively enrolled in the study. Patient’s data, detailed history, examination and electrophysiological studies were carried out and recorded on a predesigned proforma. All patients were examined and reviewed by Consultant Physicians and Neurologists. Electromyography and Nerve conduction study testing was done by experienced electro-physiologists.
Results: Axonal variants of Guillain-Barre Syndr ome constituted 16(40%) in our study. The variants of Guillian-Barre Syndrome were acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) in 24(60%) patients followed by acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) in 12(30%) and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) in 4(10%) patients.
Conclusion: We report a high frequency of the axonal variants of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Pakistan.