GBS Mimics Study
Date published: April 16, 2024
Background
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder of the peripheral nerves. These nerves provide the connection between the brain and spinal cord and the muscles and skin. If this connection is damaged by GBS, this leads to serious loss of strength, loss of sensation and pain. GBS is caused by inflammation of these nerves and treatment is aimed at slowing down this inflammation with immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis. GBS is a rapidly progressive disease, and it is important to recognise it quickly, in order to start treatment as soon as possible.
The diagnosis of GBS is made based on the signs and symptoms. Additional examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nerve conduction (electromyography) is done to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other conditions.
Making the diagnosis of GBS sometimes proves to be difficult in clinical practice because there is a wide variety of presenting signs and symptoms and because there are many conditions that, especially in the beginning, can resemble GBS (‘GBS -mimics’). Unfortunately, there is currently no test that can directly distinguish between GBS and GBS mimics.
Aim
The GBS Mimics study aims to improve the diagnosis of GBS. To this end, we collect detailed data on patients with GBS and patients with a GBS mimic. With this information, we can make a better and faster distinction between GBS and other diseases in the future to improve the outcome for patients.
With the patient’s permission, we will collect information about their complaints and the findings of the neurological examination, laboratory research and nerve conduction studies. If blood or cerebrospinal fluid has been taken for diagnostic purposes, we will request that residual material for research purposes. No additional investigations are done.
Current status
The GBS Mimics study was initiated by the HagaZiekenhuis and the Erasmus MC and is being conducted in collaboration with many neurologists from other hospitals in the Netherlands. As of April 2024, 546 patients have been included in the study.
Schedule:
The plan is to continue including patients for the time being.
Participation:
All patients suspected of having GBS can in principle participate in the GBS mimics study, provided that the patient is still in the first phase of the disease and the neurologist involved has consulted the GBS expertise centre at Erasmus MC.
A list of research articles
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The role of B lymphocytes in the progression of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies
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Study on CIDP
In addition, I am studying the role of B lymphocytes in the progression of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies, including Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Autoimmune Nodopathy (AN). Through this research, we strive to enhance diagnostics, clinical care, and treatment options for patients affected by these conditions.
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Detecting anti-paranodal antibodies
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Study on GBS
My research primarily focuses on investigating novel pathogenic antibodies in paranodal regions associated with immune-mediated neuropathies. The aim of my project is to improve diagnostic methods for detecting anti-paranodal antibodies and to determine the prevalence of these harmful autoantibodies in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
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Time to treatment study
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Study on GBS
In this project, we aim to describe the current practice of time to treatment. We also assess the association with functional outcome in patients with GBS who received first-line treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. This study is performed using data from the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS).
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