TDNet Discover

Background: Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune degenerative neurological consequence of many established viral and bacterial infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a variation of the corona RNA virus strains discovered in 2019, and is known to cause a variety of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and systemic symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Purpose: Despite the relative novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large body of research exists exploring the potential relationship between COVID-19 and GBS. This evidence-based review evaluates the data presented by seven fair- to good-quality articles for evidence establishing a causal association between COVID-19 and GBS. Some studies have shown an increased incidence of GBS after the start of COVID-19 compared to before, during which time it was most traditionally associated with Campylobacter jejuni infections. However, just as many studies argue against any changes in the incidence of GBS before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, there is data that denies any correlation between the timing of onset of COVID-19 and GBS symptoms. Additionally, there is no statistically significant difference between the manifestation of GBS in pre- and post-COVID-19 patients. The conflicting results may be in large part due to the limited availability and longevity of data, which increases the risk of confirmation and selection bias in choosing studies. Overall, larger sample sizes and more controlled study designs are required to strengthen the existing arguments in support or against an association between COVID-19 and GBS. As of now, a causative association may neither be excluded nor established.