[A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome treated with plasma exchange and intravenous high-dose immune globulin].

Abstract

We describe a 69-year-old female with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) whose paresthesia and weakness improved after plasma exchange (PE) and intravenous high-dose immune globulin (i.v.I.G.). She felt a paresthesia in her right arm, and 7 days later she noticed right arm weakness followed by gait disturbance within 2 days. She received a series of 6 PEs, but paresthesia and weakness did not improve. Following the last PE trial of this series, she was treated by i.v.I.G. (0.4 g/kg) for 5 days. After i.v.I.G., paresthesia and weakness improved in a few days. After 2nd series of 6 PEs, she was able to walk. In this clinical course, the treatment of i.v.I.G. after PE seemed to be effective. This case raises the possibility that i.v.I.G. might be the treatment in GBS patients with insufficient effect of PE.

• Authors: N Imai, K Miyata, Y Terayama, N Ishihara
• Journal: Rinsho shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology (Rinsho Shinkeigaku) Vol. 37 Issue 6 Pg. 520-2 (Jun 1997) ISSN: 0009-918X [Print] Japan
• PMID: 9366182 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

Topics

• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (administration & dosage)
• Plasma Exchange
• Polyradiculoneuropathy (physiopathology, therapy)