Several cases of covid patients who have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported in China and Italy.
- A Chinese team observed a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Covid-19
- This rare disease can lead to progressive paralysis
- In Italy, 5 Covid-19 patients also had Guillain-Barré symptoms
In addition to breathing difficulties, we now know that Covid-19 can cause heart and neurological disorders. In February, a study published in the Journal of Medical Virology reported the cases of several covid patients with neurological symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting. The case of a 58-year-old American woman who tested positive and developed acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy had also been reported.
New neurological manifestation
But a new form of neurological disease has been observed in China. Ihe Hua Zhao team has indeed reported a first case of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Covid-19. The 61-year-old patient, who had returned from the city of Wuhan, first showed signs of fatigue and weakness in her legs, then a drop in lymphocytes and platelets. Hospitalized, she had, at that time, neither fever nor cough, but an absence of reflexes in the legs and feet.
The “typical” symptoms of Covid-19 appeared 8 days after his hospitalization. “Our unique case suggests a possible association between GBS and SARS-Cov-2 infection. Whether the relationship is causal remains to be seen. More cases are needed”said Dr. Sheng Chen, recommending screening for Rapid Covid-19 in case of signs of GBS. In Italy, five patients also presented with symptoms probably caused by GBS.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease that affects the peripheral nerves and is characterized by weakening, tingling, and even progressive paralysis. Generally, it begins in the legs, sometimes goes up to the muscles of respiration and reaches the nerves of the head and neck.
“VSin 20% to 30% of patients, there is damage to the chest muscles, making it difficult to breatheExplain the World Health Organization (WHO). In severe cases, the ability to speak and swallow may be affected. These cases are considered life-threatening and should be treated in intensive care units.”. Nevertheless, the most patients recover fully, even in the most severe cases, although weakness may persist in some.
.