SID-GBS Trial
Date published: August 20, 2026
Second Intravenous Immunoglobulin Dose in Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and a Poor Prognosis | Nationwide study on the treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Background
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves that can lead to acute paralysis of the arms, legs, and/or respiratory muscles. GBS can be treated with therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg). Nevertheless, 1% to 5% of patients die, 10% to 20% continue to experience difficulty walking, and most patients have residual symptoms.
For some patients, the current treatment with IVIg is therefore insufficient. We are now able to predict which patients are likely to have a poor prognosis and may require additional treatment. However, a second course of IVIg may also have disadvantages. For this reason, the effect of a second IVIg course was investigated in this study.
Objective
The SID-GBS trial examined whether patients with GBS who were predicted to have a poor prognosis would benefit from a second course of IVIg administered shortly after the standard IVIg treatment.
Current Status and Results
Interpretation of our study provides no evidence that patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and a poor prognosis benefit from a second course of immunoglobulin treatment. In addition, a second course was associated with a higher risk of serious adverse events.
Therefore, a second course of immunoglobulins should not be considered as a treatment option for Guillain-Barré Syndrome solely on the basis of a poor prognosis. The results demonstrate the need for research into alternative treatment strategies and medications for patients who are severely affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The full text of the article published in The Lancet Neurology can be found here.
A list of research articles
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IGOS: International GBS Outcome study
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Study on GBS
Worldwide research into the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of GBS. Background: An international group of neurologists and scientists launched the International GBS Outcome Study in 2012. By joining forces across countries and continents, the consortium set out to establish the world’s largest high-quality prospective GBS cohort and biobank to facilitate research into the causes, […]
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The Rotterdam Study
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Study on CIAP
Background Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is the most common disorder of the peripheral nervous system. It is a slowly progressive disease and affects 4-13% of people aged 50 years and older. The disease impairs the function of the nerves resulting in symptoms as tingling, numbness, burning sensations, pain and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, there is no treatment. […]
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GBS Mimics Study
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Study on GBS
BackgroundGuillain-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 […]
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