Guillain‑Barré syndrome associated with Covid‑19: A close relationship or just a coincidence? (Review)

Abstract

Several neurological complications affecting the central and peripheral nervous system were described secondary to COVID-19 infection such as hyposmia, headache, nausea, impaired consciousness, psychosis, neurocognitive syndromes and even cerebrovascular accidents. The mechanism of these complications is not fully understood, but heterogenous mechanisms such as cytokine storm, secondary hypercoagulability and direct neurotropism of the virus are thought to be involved. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a heterogeneous disease that frequently follows a bacterial or viral infection. During the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several isolated case reports and case series have suggested an association between this viral infection and the occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The main mechanism of Guillain-Barré syndrome is probably post-viral dysregulation of the immune system generated by SARS-CoV-2. The clinical characteristics and disease evolution seem to be similar to those observed in Guillain-Barré syndrome secondary to other etiologies. The aim of the present review is to summarize the relevant literature regarding SARS-CoV-2-related Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Dynamic Changes in Central and Peripheral Neuro-Injury vs. Neuroprotective Serum Markers in COVID-19 Are Modulated by Different Types of Anti-Viral Treatments but Do Not Affect the Incidence of Late and Early Strokes

“…NCAM was found to be 85% identical to SARS-CoV-2 envelope proteins in silica, suggesting that an immune response against SARS-CoV-2 could theoretically lead to demyelination and polyneuropathy via molecular mimicry [ 36 ]. Relatively high Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) incidence among COVID-19 victims would further support this conclusion, but this is not conclusively documented in COVID-19 [ 3 , 29 , 37 ]. However, we found that neither the serum levels of spike protein nor the immunoglobulin titer against it correlated to the NCAM-1 increase.…”

“…Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been linked to abnormalities in the central nervous system such as the loss of smell and taste, cognitive decline, delirium, cerebrovascular accidents, neuronal autoimmune illnesses, and psychiatric disorders [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. However, the heterogeneity of symptoms remains puzzling [ 1 , 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The development of these abnormalities often occurs within two days from the onset of symptoms [ 1 , 5 , 7 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Several case reports, case series, and research projects provided conflicting data regarding the levels of τ, Amyloid β1-42, and Amyloid β2-41 in COVID-19 [ 6 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. In silica, analyses suggested molecular mimicry between the compromising of SARS-CoV-2 and nervous system proteins, but clinical correlations are not described [ 3 , 36 ].…”

A rare case of Guillain barre syndrome with overlapping cerebral sinus venous thrombosis masquerading as acute psychosis following COVID-19 vaccination

“…doi: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i133/e168ms2806 people each year. Older patients and male gender appear to be more severely impacted than younger people (Stoian et al, 2021).…”

Guillain-Barré and Sars-Cov2

“…These patients were also treated with immunoglobulins, as well as antiretroviral therapy and hydroxychloroquine. Ultimately, two patients died from these studies (5) (6).…”