Increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Su Michael Angelo O, Doquenia Maria Leila M, Tanglao Michelle J, Rosales Raymond
Primary Institution: Metropolitan Medical Center, Manila, PHL
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of peripheral immune-mediated neuropathies, specifically Guillain-Barré Syndrome, during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before?
Conclusion
There has been an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- The period incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome for 2020-2021 was significantly higher compared to 2018-2019.
- Patients aged ≥ 60 years and male categories showed a significant increase in incidence during the COVID-19 period.
- Diabetes mellitus neuropathy was the most common peripheral neuropathy encountered.
Takeaway
This study found that more people got a specific nerve disease called Guillain-Barré Syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic than before.
Methodology
This cross-sectional retrospective analytic study reviewed the case records of patients examined at the Center for Neurodiagnostic and Therapeutic Services from January 2018 to December 2021.
Potential Biases
The study did not include data regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination status.
Limitations
The study was limited to only patients newly diagnosed with PIMN from 2018 to 2021 in a single center.
Participant Demographics
Of the 121 included patients, 58.68% were aged ≥ 60 years, with slightly more female participants (51.24%) than male (48.76%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0226
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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