In:
Neurology, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 100, No. 23 ( 2023-06-06), p. e2386-e2397
Abstract:
To investigate CSF findings in relation to clinical and electrodiagnostic subtypes, severity, and outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) based on 1,500 patients in the International GBS Outcome Study. Methods Albuminocytologic dissociation (ACD) was defined as an increased protein level ( 〉 0.45 g/L) in the absence of elevated white cell count ( 〈 50 cells/μL). We excluded 124 (8%) patients because of other diagnoses, protocol violation, or insufficient data. The CSF was examined in 1,231 patients (89%). Results In 846 (70%) patients, CSF examination showed ACD, which increased with time from weakness onset: ≤4 days 57%, 〉 4 days 84%. High CSF protein levels were associated with a demyelinating subtype, proximal or global muscle weakness, and a reduced likelihood of being able to run at week 2 (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.70; p = 0.001) and week 4 (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.72; p = 0.001). Patients with the Miller Fisher syndrome, distal predominant weakness, and normal or equivocal nerve conduction studies were more likely to have lower CSF protein levels. CSF cell count was 〈 5 cells/μL in 1,005 patients (83%), 5–49 cells/μL in 200 patients (16%), and ≥50 cells/μL in 13 patients (1%). Discussion ACD is a common finding in GBS, but normal protein levels do not exclude this diagnosis. High CSF protein level is associated with an early severe disease course and a demyelinating subtype. Elevated CSF cell count, rarely ≥50 cells/μL, is compatible with GBS after a thorough exclusion of alternative diagnoses. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that CSF ACD (defined by the Brighton Collaboration) is common in patients with GBS.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0028-3878
,
1526-632X
DOI:
10.1212/WNL.0000000000207282
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2023
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