Age-associated changes in the symptomatology of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children.

The medical records were reviewed of 83 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome, with reference to the age-associated changes found in the initial symptoms, the intervals between the preceding illness and the onset of disease, and the patterns of affected cranial nerves. A close correlation was observed between cranial nerve involvement and respiratory complications. The findings suggest the involvement of nervous system maturation in the clinical manifestations of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children.