Clinical subtypes, seasonality, and short-term prognosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome in an Eastern city of Turkey

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.