Guillain-Barré syndrome in pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: A case report of a 23 years old pregnant woman diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in the 31st week of pregnancy.

Design: Case report

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Masaryk University, University hospital Brno

Case report: We present a case study of a patient in the 31st week of pregnancy hospitalized in the FN Brno for expressed bulbar syndrome, neck muscle weakness, paresthesia of the arms, and medical history of diarrhoea in the previous week. During hospitalization, there was a rapid progression of symptoms and respiratory faluire, requiring orotracheal intubation. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was determined and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated. Pregnancy was terminated in the 32nd week of gestation based on the maternal indication after a completed lung maturation of the fetus.

Conclusion: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disease that can rarely occur during pregnancy and puerperium. The syndrome presents a serious pregnancy complication with an uncertain prognosis and risk for both, mother and fetus. If the syndrome is diagnosed in time and treated correctly, the prognosis is favorable despite the complicated course.

Keywords: Guillain-Barré syndrome, respiratory failure in pregnancy, maternal morbidity, neurological symptomatology, intravenous immunoglobulins, neurological consequences.