Cecilia Ostman1, Bobby Chacko2,3. 1. School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia. 2. Nephrology and Transplantation Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. 3. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a common ascending polyneuropathy in adults. It is often associated with preceding viral or diarrhoeal illness with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or Campylobacter jejuni. Solid organ transplant recipients are more susceptible to opportunistic infections with CMV than the general population as a result of immunosuppressive therapies to prevent graft rejection. However, reports of GBS are rare in this population. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review cases of GBS in renal transplant patients to evaluate causative pathogens or triggers, management and associated morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a systematic search of the MEDLINE database uncovering 17 cases of GBS in renal transplant patients in the literature. The majority of cases were in males (81%) and patients who received deceased donor renal transplants (87%). The mean age was 44.7 years (SD 13). The time between transplant and onset of symptoms ranged from 2 days to 10 years (Mean = 720 days). GBS was commonly associated with antecedent viral (CMV 12; EBV 1) or diarrhoeal (2) illness while two cases were attributed to calcineurin inhibitor use. All patients recovered fully or partially after treatment with anti-viral or anti-bacterial agents, immunoglobulins, and/or plasma exchange. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus is the most common trigger for GBS in the post-renal transplant setting. Other triggers include campylobacter jejuni and calcineurin inhibitors. GBS should be considered in transplant patients presenting with weakness or paralysis in order to institute timely management.
BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a common ascending polyneuropathy in adults. It is often associated with preceding viral or diarrhoeal illness with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or Campylobacter jejuni. Solid organ transplant recipients are more susceptible to opportunistic infections with CMV than the general population as a result of immunosuppressive therapies to prevent graft rejection. However, reports of GBS are rare in this population. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review cases of GBS in renal transplant patients to evaluate causative pathogens or triggers, management and associated morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a systematic search of the MEDLINE database uncovering 17 cases of GBS in renal transplant patients in the literature. The majority of cases were in males (81%) and patients who received deceased donor renal transplants (87%). The mean age was 44.7 years (SD 13). The time between transplant and onset of symptoms ranged from 2 days to 10 years (Mean = 720 days). GBS was commonly associated with antecedent viral (CMV 12; EBV 1) or diarrhoeal (2) illness while two cases were attributed to calcineurin inhibitor use. All patients recovered fully or partially after treatment with anti-viral or anti-bacterial agents, immunoglobulins, and/or plasma exchange. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus is the most common trigger for GBS in the post-renal transplant setting. Other triggers include campylobacter jejuni and calcineurin inhibitors. GBS should be considered in transplant patients presenting with weakness or paralysis in order to institute timely management.
Authors: Marieke van der Zwan; Dennis A Hesselink; Esther Brusse; Pieter A van Doorn; Martijn W F van den Hoogen; Annelies E de Weerd; Bart C Jacobs Journal: Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm Date: 2020-04-16