GUILLAIN‐BARRÉ SYNDROME AND RELATED CONDITIONS IN VICTORIAN TEACHING HOSPITALS 1980–84

Abstract

Cases of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, its variants, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy presenting during the period 1980–84 were identified through computer‐based record systems. Case notes were examined, and cases that did not meet standard criteria for diagnosis were excluded. A hundred and ten patients were identified, giving an annual adult incidence rate of 0.9/100,000 and a male:female ratio of 1.3:1. The majority of cases developed severe tetraparesis, but unusual presentations included the Miller‐Fisher variant, paraplegia, and bibrachial involvement. There was wide variation in peak disability, ranging from ambulant with weakness (32%), through bedfast but without signifi..