Guillain-Barré syndrome
Pronunciation: gee-YAHN bah-RAY
Also written as: GBS — Guillain-Barré syndrome
An acute autoimmune polyneuropathy causing rapidly progressive weakness and sensory loss, often following infection. Characterized by ascending paralysis and potential respiratory involvement.
Full Definition
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune polyneuropathy characterized by rapidly progressive, predominantly motor weakness that typically begins in the distal extremities and ascends proximally over days to weeks. The condition results from immune-mediated damage to peripheral nerve myelin (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, AIDP) or axons (acute motor axonal neuropathy, AMAN). GBS often follows bacterial or viral infections, with molecular mimicry triggering cross-reactive antibodies against peripheral nerve components. Cardinal features include areflexia, ascending weakness, sensory symptoms, and potential respiratory muscle involvement requiring mechanical ventilation. Cerebrospinal fluid typically shows elevated protein with minimal pleocytosis (cytoalbuminous dissociation). Treatment involves immunomodulatory therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. Most patients recover substantially, though some experience persistent deficits.
Usage
Usage note: Include accent marks in formal writing (Guillain-Barré). GBS acronym widely accepted.
In Context
- "The patient developed Guillain-Barré syndrome three weeks after a Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis." — Neurology admission note
- "Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated for acute Guillain-Barré syndrome with respiratory involvement." — ICU treatment documentation