Longitudinal study of neuropathic pain in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze neuropathic pain (NeP) and its therapy in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) during a 6-month follow-up period. Method This longitudinal multicenter study included 69 newly diagnosed adult GBS patients. NeP diagnosis was based on the criteria of Finnerup and confirmed by the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q). Severity of GBS was assessed by GBS disability scale (GDS). Patients were assessed: on day 14 (D14), day 28 (D28), month 3 (M3), and month 6 (M6) from the disease onset. Results At D14, pain was present in 85.5% of patients, while 26.4% had NeP. At M6, 72.5% of patients had pain, 20.0% of them NeP. In acute GBS, pain intensity was higher in patients with NeP compared to those with non-NeP ( p < 0.01). Pain intensity in patients with NeP did not change during time, but it decreased in patients with non-NeP at M6 ( p < 0.05). Around 20% of GBS patients were on specific NeP medication throughout the observed period. One quarter of patients with NeP were not on specific NeP drug in the acute phase. Up to one third of patients with NeP were on NeP medication but still had significant NeP. Pooled PD-Q score was in correlation with pooled GDS score (rho = + 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusions NeP is a common and potentially severe symptom in GBS that may persist for months. It is important to recognize NeP, start specific treatment on time, in adequate doses, and for prolonged period of time.