Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Pregnancy- a Case Report

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is very rare in pregnancy with an annual incidence estimated between 1.2 and 1.9 per 100,000 cases. In spite of unusual occurrence, it carries high maternal risk complicating pregnancy in the clinical seings. Delayed diagnosis has been reported to be common because of the initial nonspecific symptoms, which might mimic changes during pregnancy. We described two patients who developed progressive ascending paralysis during the second trimester of pregnancy. A 24yr old second gravida in the 23 weeks of gestation developed weakness in all four limbs without involving respiratory and facial muscles. Based on clinical criteria the patient diagnosed with GBS and started on intravenous immunoglobulin. Following the therapy, she had a dramatic improvement within two weeks, and showed complete recovery and healthy ongoing pregnancy on subsequent follow up after three months. The second patient was 24yr old primi gravida at 28 weeks of gestation presented with ascending paralysis involving respiratory muscles. Criticality of the patient warranted mechanical ventilation and supportive therapy but unfortunately, the patient died of severe autonomic instability. The case reports presented in the study aim to highlight the significance of diagnosis sensibly in advance allowing earlier intervention of necessary immunomodulatory strategies, which have been shown to improve the outcome alongside multidisciplinary care.