Purpose: To study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Method: An observational study to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children with GBS. Results: A prospective observational study was conducted from April 2021 until December 2022 at a tertiary center. A total of 55 children with GBS were included in this study, and 6 were COVID-positive. The mean age of the study cohort was 6.2±3.2 years, and 23 (42%) were girls. The MRC sum score (median, IQR) at peak disability was 16 (0.00–23.5) in the COVID positive group and 20 (10–30) (p value: 0.24) in the COVID-19 negative group. All six COVID-positive children (100%) and 17 (34%) COVID-negative children required invasive mechanical ventilation. Acute motor axonal polyneuropathy (AMAN) was the most common subtype of GBS in both groups. The mean duration of total hospital stay in COVID positive and negative children was 52.17± 28.9 and 18.37± 19.7 (p value: 0.000). At 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-discharge follow-up, the median Hughes score in the COVID positive and COVID negative group was 1.5 (0.25-2) and 2 (1-3) (p value: 0.24); 0.5 (0-1) and 1 (0-2) (p value: 0.25). A more severe presentation, AMAN subtype, descending paralysis, and preserved reflexes were observed in children with COVID-19 positivity at admission. Conclusion: Children with GBS with COVID-19 positivity were weaker, had longer PICU requirement, duration of ventilation, and hospital stay. MRC score and Hughes disability scores were similar at discharge and follow-up.

Rishitha Pravallika Yellugari
Shri MP Shah Government Medical college
India

Renu Suthar
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
India

Arun Bansal
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
India