What Is GBS Disorder? Symptoms You Should Know

Pune has reported more than 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with one suspected death reported in Solapur, the Maharashtra government has confirmed.

Initial reports indicate that the deceased may have contracted the infection in Pune before travelling to Solapur. A total of 28 new GBS cases were reported, bringing the overall count to 101.

How Much Do We Know About GBS?

The neurological disorder is rare condition, with exact causes not known. Two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including Covid-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.

GBS can cause numbness, weakness or paralysis. The first symptoms include weakness and tingling in the hands, feet. The sensations quickly spread and may lead to paralysis.

The most serious form of Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital, according to Mayo Clinic.

Other symptoms may include unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs, trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing, double vision or inability to move the eyes, severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp-like and may be worse at night, trouble with bladder control or bowel function, rapid heart rate, low or high blood pressure and trouble breathing.

There Are Two Types Of GBS:

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most common form of GBS found in North America and Europe. The most common sign of AIDP is muscle weakness that starts in the lower part of the body and spreads upwards.

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) in which paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with an unsteady walk. MFS is less common in the US but more common in Asia.

Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are less common in the US. But AMAN and AMSAN are more frequent in China, Japan and Mexico.

What Are The Causes And Complications?

Although the exact cause of GBS is not known, but the disease usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection.

A senior medical officer from the Maharashtra health department told CNN-News18 Guillain-Barre Syndrome’s symptoms usually become prominent after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. He pointed out that a bacterial or viral infection, recent vaccination, surgery and neuropathy can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He has appealed to the people to not panic saying that even though GBS is a rare disease, it can be treated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infection with Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis, is one of the most common risk factors for GBS. Other triggers include viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and, in rare cases, vaccinations, Some of the GBS symptoms are triggered by campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry, influenza virus, Zika virus, Hepatitis A, B, C and E, HIV, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Covid-19 and surgery.

In the GBS, the body begins attacking the nerves instead of killing the organisms. In AIDP, the nerves’ protective covering, known as the myelin sheath, is damaged. This prevents nerves from transmitting signals to the brain, causing weakness, numbness or paralysis.

People infected with GBS may experience trouble in breathing. Up to 22% of people with Guillain-Barre syndrome need temporary help from a machine to breathe within the first week when they are hospitalised for treatment.

Most people with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover completely or have only minor, residual weakness, numbness or tingling. Blood pressure fluctuations and irregular heart rhythms are common side effects of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Sluggish bowel function and urine retention may result from Guillain-Barre syndrome. People whose movements are less due to Guillain-Barre syndrome are at risk of developing blood clots.

People are advised to maintain proper hygiene, consume boiled water, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.

What Is The Situation In Pune?

The first suspected GBS case was hospitalised on January 9. Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in biological samples taken from hospitalised patients.

Of the confirmed cases, 16 patients are on ventilator support. An analysis of the cases indicates that 19 patients are below the age of nine, while 23 are within the 50-80 age bracket. The gender distribution reveals that 68 patients are male, and 33 are female.

While authorities are investigating potential sources of infection, water contamination cannot be ruled out as a major cause. Tests conducted on water samples have revealed high levels of E. coli bacteria in a well near Khadakwasla Dam, which is Pune’s primary water source. However, it remains uncertain whether the well was in use.

Health officials have surveyed 25,578 households in order to trace the source of the outbreak.

The GBS treatment requires immunoglobulin (IVIG) injection, which is priced at Rs 20,000. Patients often require multiple injections, which add up the financial burden. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated, “The treatment is expensive. After discussions with officials from the district administration and municipal corporation, we have decided to provide free treatment. Those from Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas will receive treatment at Kamla Nehru Hospital. For citizens from rural areas, free treatment will be provided at Sassoon Hospital in Pune."

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakashrao Abitkar told CNN-News18 that he will be reaching Pune soon, and there is no need to panic. He mentioned that GBS had existed before and is not a communicable disease. “We are taking all measures to contain the surge," he said.

 

 

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