GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME, THE LEADING CAUSE OF ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS IN HAZARA DIVISION
Abstract
Background: Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) can be caused by a number of conditions. A commonpreventable cause is poliomyelitis which is still being reported in Pakistan, Guillain Barre
Syndrome (GBS), also known as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, is another
common cause of acute flaccid paralysis . It is important to recognize GBS in childhood as parents
consider all acute flaccid paralysis to be due to poliomyelitis. The present study was designed to
know the frequency of different causes of acute flaccid paralysis in Hazara division. Methods :
This is a retrospective analysis of cases of acute flaccid paralysis reported from various districts of
Hazara division during the period January 2003 to December 2004. Acute flaccid paralysis was
diagnosed clinically through history and clinical examination. The underlying cause of acute
flaccid paralysis was investigated by appropriate laboratory tests , such as serum electrolytes,
cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electromyogram, nerve conduction study and stool culture for polio
virus and other enteroviruses . Diagnosis of Poliomyelitis was confirmed by stool testing for
poliovirus. Results: 74 patients presented with AFP during the study period. 36 were male and 38
were female. Guillain Barre syndrome and enteroviral encephalopathy were the two leading
causes of acute flaccid paralysis . Majority of the cases were reported from Mansehra district.
Children of age groups 12 to 24 months and > 96 months constituted the majority (20% each).
Conclusion: Guillian Barre syndrome was the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis reported
from various parts of Hazara division.
Key Words : Acute, Flaccid Paralysis , Guillain Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis .
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