Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, immunopathogenic mechanisms and treatment

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease representing the most frequent cause of acute flaccid symmetrical weakness of the limbs and areflexia usually reaching its peak within a month. The etiology and pathogenesis remain largely enigmatic and the syndrome results in death or severe d...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores Principales: Jasti, Anil K, Selmi, Carlo, Sarmiento-Monroy, Juan C, Vega, Daniel A, Anaya, Juan-Manuel, Gershwin, M Eric
Formato: Artículo (Article)
Lenguaje:Inglés (English)
Publicado: Taylor and Francis Ltd 2016
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://repository.urosario.edu.co/handle/10336/24042
https://doi.org/10.1080/1744666X.2016.1193006
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease representing the most frequent cause of acute flaccid symmetrical weakness of the limbs and areflexia usually reaching its peak within a month. The etiology and pathogenesis remain largely enigmatic and the syndrome results in death or severe disability in 9–17% of cases despite immunotherapy. Areas covered: In terms of etiology, Guillain-Barré syndrome is linked to Campylobacter infection but less than 0.1% of infections result in the syndrome. In terms of pathogenesis, activated macrophages and T cells and serum antibodies against gangliosides are observed but their significance is unclear. Expert commentary: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a heterogeneous condition with numerous subtypes and recent data point towards the role of ganglioside epitopes by immunohistochemical methods. Ultimately, the syndrome results from a permissive genetic background on which environmental factors, including infections, vaccination and the influence of aging, lead to disease. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor and Francis Group.