Abstract
Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological entity that presents as rapidly
progressive symmetrical ascending demyelinating polyneuropathy. Its incidence is infrequent
during pregnancy at 1.2 to 1.9 cases per 100,000 population. It is associated with
very high maternal mortality and pregnancy complications. Its management during pregnancy
is challenging as delay in diagnosis occurs due to rarity and overlapping symptoms.
We report a case of a 23 year old primigravida who presented at 3 months of gestation
with rapidly progressive lower limb paralysis after tetanus toxoid immunization. She
was managed by a multidisciplinary team with intensive care admission, ventilator
support, and intravenous immunoglobulins. She showed improvement after 4 weeks and
was discharged in a stable condition with little residual weakness in her lower limbs.
On follow up, she achieved full recovery. The outcome of the pregnancy was vaginal
birth of a male child with no postpartum relapse. GBS is a rare entity during pregnancy
and has a high maternal mortality rate. Hence, it is important to have a strong clinical
suspicion and aggressive treatment for favorable maternal and fetal outcomes.
Keywords
GBS - pregnancy - tetanus toxoid
