GUILLAIN-BARRE-SYNDROME IN CHILDHOOD - NATURAL COURSE AND EFFICACY OF PLASMAPHERESIS

Eight children with Guillain-Barre syndrome were treated with plasmapheresis. Retrospective comparisons were made with 11 historic control patients. Eight children required mechanical ventilation, 4 of whom were in the plasmapheresis group. One week after the last plasmapheresis treatment, patients receiving plasmapheresis within 7 days of symptom onset had improved by one Guillain-Barre syndrome score. Discharge Guillain-Barre syndrome scores were significantly lower for those receiving plasmapheresis (P < .05). Patients in the plasmapheresis group had a decrease in the number of days of mechanical ventilation, time until motor recovery, and overall cost. Our results are consistent with published literature and indicate that plasmapheresis for childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome is a safe and effective treatment to shorten the time to recovery.