Aysel ÇOBAN TAŞKIN, Ebru BÖLÜK, Nazlıhan Ezgi KAVUK, Ufuk ŞENER
Kastamonu Medical Journal - 2026;6(2):186-193
Aims: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated disorder of the peripheral nervous system that presents with variable clinical features and shows regional differences in subtype distribution and outcomes. However, data from Western Türkiye remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patients with GBS and to investigate factors associated with disease severity and short-term outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the clinical and electrophysiological data of 26 patients diagnosed with GBS from western Türkiye (Aegean region) who were followed up at our clinic between January 2018 and December 2024. Clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological data were analyzed. Patients were evaluated in terms of demographic features, antecedent events, electrophysiological subtypes, and clinical outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and need for mechanical ventilation. Functional status was assessed using the Hughes Functional Grading Scale (HFGSS). Associations were analyzed using univariate comparative statistical methods. Results: Of the 26 patients (mean age: 51.5 +/- 19 years), 34.6% were female and 65.4% were male. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) was the most common subtype (50%), followed by axonal variants. Bulbar involvement and autonomic dysfunction were observed in eight (30.8%) and five (19%) patients, respectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was required in 50% of patients, and 26.9% required mechanical ventilation. Bulbar involvement and autonomic dysfunction were associated with increased need for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.05). The mean HFGSS improved from 2.77 at admission to 1.6 at two months. Conclusion: Bulbar involvement and autonomic dysfunction may be associated with severe disease and increased risk of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. These findings highlight the potential importance of early risk stratification and close monitoring in GBS. However, given the retrospective design and small sample size, the results should be interpreted with caution.
