Guillain–Barré syndrome following different COVID-19 vaccines: a case series

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 vaccine-related Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) has been described for both messenger-RNA vaccine and adenovirus-vectored types in a few cases with great public concern and the necessity to inform physicians about the variations of its presentations given its life-threatening consequences. Case presentation This case series highlighted the presentation with GBS following different COVID-19 vaccinations in seven cases with ages ranging from 29 to 59 years. Three patients received the AstraZeneca vaccine, two received the Pfizer vaccine, one received Sinopharm, and one received the Janssen vaccine. Latency ranged from 5 to 60 days and cases achieved either partial or complete improvement after treatment trials. Patients responded to plasmaphereses, but not pulse steroid therapy. Conclusion This case series highlights the variable presentations and outcomes of GBS following different COVID-19 vaccination from one center. The early identification and appropriate management of such cases can lead to better outcomes.