Abstract | AIM: METHODS: Retrospective review of eight patients aged 2 to 13 years out of 210 patients with polyradiculoneuritis reported from 70 hospitals. Diagnostic criteria for polyradiculoneuritis were: flaccid paresis with loss of tendon reflexes, increased CSF protein and slowing of nerve conduction velocity. Criteria for myelitis were: severe and persistent bladder dysfunction, a sharply defined sensory level and/or evolving spastic paresis, with or without myelitic changes in spinal MRI. RESULTS: In the disease's earliest stage it was difficult to differentiate polyradiculoneuritis with myelitis from classical GBS. However, onset was often unusually rapid compared to GBS. Five patients developed a sensory level and seven suffered from severe bladder dysfunction. Four of the six children studied showed focal myelitic changes in MRI. All seven children with sufficient follow-up remained with residual paresis and significant long-term motor deficits. CONCLUSION: Due to its severe long-term prognosis, polyradiculoneuritis with myelitis must be differentiated from classical GBS. In the disease's early stage, the detection of a sensory level, severe bladder dysfunction and an unusually rapid onset can be helpful. The effect of high-dose corticosteroids is not yet clear. After the acute phase, most children require extended rehabilitation.
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Authors | H Martens-Le Bouar, R Korinthenberg |
Journal | Neuropediatrics
(Neuropediatrics)
Vol. 33
Issue 2
Pg. 93-6
(Apr 2002)
ISSN: 0174-304X [Print] Germany |
PMID | 12075491
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
(diagnosis)
- Humans
- Male
- Myelitis
(complications, diagnosis)
- Polyradiculoneuropathy
(complications, diagnosis)
- Retrospective Studies
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