Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Does Age Matter?

Introduction: Twenty to 40% of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) patients will not be able to walk independently despite effective treatment. Older patients carry additional risks for worse outcomes.

Methods: A single center, ambispective cohort study was performed. Only subjects ≥18 years with a 3-month follow-up were included. Elderly patients were considered as a whole if ≥ 60 years. Demographics, CSF and nerve conduction studies were compared. A binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were carried out to estimate good prognosis (Hugues ≤2) at 3-month follow-up.

Results: From 130 patients recruited, 27.6% were elderly adults. They had a more severe disease, higher mEGOS and more cranial nerve involvement. Age ≥70 years, invasive mechanical ventilation and axonal subtype, portrayed an unfavorable 3-month outcome. Further analysis demonstrated an earlier recovery in independent walk at 3 months for patients <70 years.

Conclusions: Elderly patients with GBS have a more severe disease at admission and encounter worse prognosis at 3-month follow-up, especially those above 70 years.