Guillain-Barre syndrome in pregnancy: A rare disease with challenging management

Abstract

Background: Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in pregnancy, characterised by ascending polyneuropathy. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and treatment is mainly supportive. Poor access to plasmapharesis and intravenous immunoglobulin limits its management in low and middle income countries. This report is aimed at presenting a case of Guillain-Barre syndrome in pregnancy and challenges encountered in our setting.

Case presentation: A 32 year old multipara at 34 weeks gestation who presented with progressive limb weakness, inability to walk and difficulty in breathing. She was delivered following hypertension and respiratory distress. Baby remained in good condition. She subsequently succumbed to respiratory failure in the postoperative period.

Conclusion: Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare in pregnancy. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Supportive care including the use of plasmapharesis and intravenous immunoglobulin are important in reducing the mortality associated with the disease. Early presentation and diagnosis is also key to its management.