Six‐month prospective study of quality of life in Guillain‐Barre syndrome

Abstract

Objective Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute disease of the peripheral nerves and their roots. Quality of life (QoL) in the first year after acute episode of GBS is still underresearched area. The aim of our study was to investigate QoL in GBS patients during a 6‐month follow‐up period. Methods Multicentric, prospective study included 74 adult patients with GBS (54% males). GBS disability scale (GDS) was used to assess functional disability (severe disability GDS > 2), and Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire (INQoL) to asses QoL. Patients were tested on day 14, day 28, month 3, and month 6 from symptom onset. Results Disability as measured by GDS improved during time (P < .01). INQoL scores also improved during time (P < .01) but were not able to differentiate between day 14 and day 28, and some scores also did not make difference between month 3 and 6 (pain, social relations, emotions and total INQoL score; P > .05). Pooled GDS scores correlated with pooled INQoL scores, especially with independence, activities, and weakness subscores (P < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that GDS at day 14 (β = .52, P < .01) and fatigue score at day 14 (β = .41, P < .01) were independent predictors of the worse GDS at month 6 (adjusted R2 = .34, P < .01 for overall model). Conclusions During a 6‐month follow‐up period of GBS patients, we observed a gradual recovery of patients' disability and QoL. Our study confirms the importance of patient‐reported outcomes and their ability to capture some important issues that are omitted by classic ability measures such as GDS.

Validation and adjustment of modified Erasmus GBS outcome score in Bangladesh

“…18 We evaluated the ability of mEGOS to predict a poor outcome in GBS at week 4, which is the most commonly used time point in treatment efficacy trials, 21,22 and at 6 months (week 26) to assess the ability of the model to predict long-term outcome. 23 Missing values for mEGOS predictors and GBS disability scores at week 4 and week 26 were imputed using a multiple imputation method with ten imputed datasets. 24,25 We included information on age, sex, antecedent events, GBS variants, cranial nerve involvement, sensory deficits, pain, ataxia, autonomic dysfunction, treatment, and nerve conduction study findings in the imputation model.…”

“…Poor outcome was defined as being unable to walk independently (GBS disability score >2) 18 . We evaluated the ability of mEGOS to predict a poor outcome in GBS at week 4, which is the most commonly used time point in treatment efficacy trials, 21,22 and at 6 months (week 26) to assess the ability of the model to predict long‐term outcome 23 …”

Patients' attitude towards vaccination after Guillain Barré syndrome

“…In fact, there are many good population‐based studies available about disability 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 and quality of life 16 , 21 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 after GBS. The number of patients with poor functional outcomes differs between the studies 29 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 depending on the time interval after GBS, the definition of impaired function, symptoms analyzed, ICU treatment and necessity of mechanical ventilation, the studied population, and regional differences 44 as well.…”

Responsiveness of 2 Different Ability Outcome Measures in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

“…Another important aim of GBS trials should be to assess the effects of interventions on long-term outcomes 24. Regaining normal functions and participation and improved life quality by month 6 might be appropriate endpoints 25. Only in this way, the true effect of different drugs may be assessed.…”