Delayed Recognition of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Child: A Misleading Respiratory Distress

Abstract Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in childhood. Respiratory symptoms can mask neurologic signs, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Objectives: We report this case to highlight the diagnostic difficulty in children suffering from GBS...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of emergency medicine 2010-06, Vol.38 (5), p.e59-e61
Main Authors: Lacroix, Laurence E., MD, Galetto, Annick, MD, Haenggeli, Charles A., MD, Gervaix, Alain, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Delayed Diagnosis
Emergency
Female
Guillain-Barre Syndrome - complications
Guillain-Barre Syndrome - diagnosis
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Humans
meningismus
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
neuropathy
pediatric
Pneumonia, Mycoplasma - complications
Pneumonia, Mycoplasma - diagnostic imaging
Radiography
respiratory failure
Respiratory Insufficiency - etiology
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Summary:Abstract Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in childhood. Respiratory symptoms can mask neurologic signs, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Objectives: We report this case to highlight the diagnostic difficulty in children suffering from GBS who have respiratory involvement as the main clinical findings on presentation. Case Report: This case report describes a 9-year-old girl presenting with respiratory distress, weakness, limb pain, and hypertension. The severe respiratory involvement due to a Mycoplasma pneumoniae lung infection led to a delay in diagnosing GBS in this child. Conclusion: Unexplained weakness, together with respiratory involvement and associated dysautonomia, should support the possibility of GBS.
ISSN:0736-4679
2352-5029
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.02.063