Electrophysiological criteria for the prognosis of the Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

The protocols for electromyography (EMG) examination from the acute period of the disease (within the first 2 weeks after its onset) were retrospectively analyzed and residual neurological symptoms were evaluated in 50 patients who had sustained the Guillain-Barré syndrome 3 months to 15 years before. The EMG results of n. n. medianus, ulnaris, peroneus, and tibialis examinations were compared with the factors of a poor acute period and recovery. The distal latencies of M-responses (dM-responses) and motor conduction velocities were found to be of no prognostic value. ROC analysis revealed the dM-response amplitude decrement thresholds that were significantly associated with the development of severe form of the disease, an increase in the periods of plateau > 2 weeks and recovery capability to walk with the support of more than for > 1 month, an insuffient effect to pathogenetic therapy, and preserved noticeable residual motor deficit in the late disease period requiring help from other people in some instances. EMG was shown to be an informative study that can predict the course of the acute period and outcome in patients with the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Keywords

• электромиография
• синдром гийена−барре
• прогноз
• остаточные явления