Early predictors of incomplete recovery in children with Guillain-Barr'e polyneuritis.

Case histories of 47 children with strict criteria for Landry-Guillain-Barré-Strohl polyneuritis admitted to a rehabilitation facility from late 1959 through 1972 were analyzed retrospectively. The children were followed to full recovery (good to normal strength in all muscle groups) or for three years without full recovery. The data were then compared statistically for possible predictive indicators of recovery or lack of recovery within three years. The most significant early predictor of incomplete recovery was the time interval between the greatest weakness and beginning improvement; a period longer than 18 days of plateau before gains are evident is indicative of incomplete recovery within limits of 99% confidence.