Long-Term Prognosis for Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Evaluation of Prognostic Factors and Clinical Experience of Automated Double Filtration Plasmapheresis

Ben Chung Cheng, Wen Neng Chang, Jin Bor Chen, Esther Chung Yin Chee, Chi Ren Huang, Cheng Hsien Lu*, Chin Jung Chang, Pi Lien Hung, Yao Cheng Chuang, Chien Te Lee, Ping Yu Lee, Kuo Wei Wang, Hsueh Wen Chang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sixty patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), aged 16-83 years, have been identified over a period of 7 years. Of 60 patients, 30 received the double filtration plasmapheresis (DFP), 4 received intravenous immunoglobulin, and the other 26 received supportive care only. Therapeutic outcomes at 1 year were determined using a modified Barthel index. At a follow-up of 1 year or longer, 31 patients (52%) had recovered, 24 (40%) had residua, and 5 (8%) had died. According to the statistical analysis, disability at the nadir and electrophysiological signs significantly influenced the long-term outcomes. Complications associated with DFP procedures included physiologic change, technique -related complications, and vascular access-related complications. None of our patients had fatal complications related to DFP treatment. Contrary to the established belief that the disease has a favorable outcome, several hospital -treated patients may still die or present residua even several months after the onset of symptoms. Because disability at the nadir influences the outcomes, early diagnosis and choice of appropriate treatment, which might include DFP, to prevent further neurological deficits, are essential to maximize the potential for survival.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-180
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Apheresis
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Double filtration plasmapheresis
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Long-term prognosis
  • Prognostic factors

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