Relapsing Guillain-Barre syndrome in pregnancy and postpartum

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) rarely complicates pregnancy, but can be associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity if not properly identified and treated. A high index of suspicion, supportive measures, access to intensive care unit and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy are corners...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: S Meenakshi-Sundaram, K Swaminathan, S N Karthik, S Bharathi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
Series:Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.annalsofian.org/article.asp?issn=0972-2327;year=2014;volume=17;issue=3;spage=352;epage=354;aulast=Meenakshi-Sundaram
Description
Summary:Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) rarely complicates pregnancy, but can be associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity if not properly identified and treated. A high index of suspicion, supportive measures, access to intensive care unit and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy are cornerstones of management in GBS complicating pregnancy. Neurologists and Obstetricians should be aware of the risks of relapsing GBS in the immediate postpartum period. Surgery and anesthesia may be triggers for relapse in association with an overall increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the postpartum period. We report a unique case of GBS complicating pregnancy in the third trimester followed by a relapse in the postpartum period. She made a good recovery with supportive measures and a repeat course of IVIG during the relapse.
ISSN:0972-2327
1998-3549