A case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome following a bout of diarrhoea in advanced pregnancy

Abstract

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, affecting 1.2-1.9 per 100000 women in pregnancy. Whilst the condition is rare, delays in diagnosis and management are associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. We present and discuss a case of 33-year old woman who presented at Harare Central Hospital Maternity Unit with acute flaccid paralysis in late pregnancy following a bout of diarrhoea. We discuss the diagnosis and management of pregnant women with the condition, as well as maternal outcomes.

Keywords

• guillain-barre syndrome
• pregnancy
• flaccid paralysis
• polyradiculoneuropathy