PLASMAPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME; OUTCOMES AND COMPLICATIONS
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Abstract
Objective: To assess the outcome of plasmapheresis in treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome and factors related to poor outcome at hematology unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 patients of Guillain-Barre syndrome managed with plasmapheresis at Neurology department Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi from January 20, 2018 to January 20, 2019. Demographic profile included age, gender, variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome and duration of illness. All the complications of the procedure were recorded. Outcomes included recovery, shifting to intensive care unit and death. Pearson chi-square test was applied to relate the factors with presence of complications or poor outcome.
Results: Out of 44 patients, 27 were male and 17 were female. Allergic reaction occurred in 4 (9.1%) patients while abdominal pain during or after the plasmapheresis was observed in 3 (6.8%) patients. Out of 44 patients, 35 (79.5%) recovered, 10 (22.7%) had minor complications, 03 (6.8%) were shifted to the intensive care unit and 03 (6.8%) died. Delay in getting the definitive treatment and variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome had a significant relationship with presence of complications or poor outcome (p-value <0.05).
Conclusion: Plasmapheresis is effective treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome with very limited side effects.
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