Case Report
Published: Jun 28, 2025 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report
Authors: Emina Vukas-Salihbegović , Sajra Užičanin , Tarik Jarkoč , Lejla Prnjavorac , Berina Omanović Kulović , Odej Ali Abud ,
Article Info
Authors
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović
Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo, Patriotske lige 81, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sajra Užičanin
Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo, Patriotske lige 81, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tarik Jarkoč
Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo, Patriotske lige 81, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lejla Prnjavorac
Clinic of Radiology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Berina Omanović Kulović
Clinic of Radiology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Odej Ali Abud
Clinic of Radiology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Publication History
Received: November 25, 2024
Accepted: May 28, 2025
Published: June 28, 2025
Abstract
Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated post-infectious polyradiculoneuropathy usually presenting with symmetrical ascending weakness, diminished deep tendon reflexes, and non-specific sensory symptoms. GBS is in essence an autoimmune disorder, and the underlying mechanism is thought to result from so-called molecular mimicry. This hypothesis is further supported by approximately 2/3 of the patients having a preceding infection. In most cases, the infectious trigger occurs in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, with the disease manifesting within four weeks. Even though it most commonly affects children aged 1 to 5 years old, there are rare cases reported in neonates and infants.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 6-month-old infant with Guillain-Barré syndrome following a respiratory infection. The diagnosis was confirmed through cerebrospinal fluid analysis, EMNG, spine MRI, and clinical assessment. Positive human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) in cerebrospinal fluid suggested a potential infectious trigger. The infant was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and ganciclovir, requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Recovery involved gradual neurological improvement and restored motor function over 30 days.
Conclusion: GBS is a rare disorder, especially in children and requires multidisciplinary management to prevent complications from occurring and thereby improve the prognosis of patients. Upon arrival at the emergency department, all patients should be carefully evaluated, looking for autonomic and respiratory dysfunction signs. Generally, pediatric patients have a better prognosis compared to adults. Initiation of treatment in the early stages of the disease leads to a faster recovery and consequently fewer sequelae.
Keywords: Guillain-Barré syndrome, post-infectious polyradiculoneuropathy, acute flaccid paralysis, pediatric, infant, case report
Pubmed Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. EJMCR. 2025; 28 (June 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
Web Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. https://ejmcr.com/articles/1607 [Access: June 29, 2025]. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. EJMCR. 2025; 28 (June 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. EJMCR. (2025), [cited June 29, 2025]; 28 (June 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
Harvard Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud (2025) Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. EJMCR, 28 (June 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
Chicago Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. "Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report." 28 (2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud. "Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report." 28.June 2025 (2025), -. Print. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Emina Vukas-Salihbegović, Sajra Užičanin, Tarik Jarkoč, Lejla Prnjavorac, Berina Omanović Kulović, Odej Ali Abud (2025) Diagnostic challenge and management of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in an infant: A Case Report. , 28 (June 2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1607