A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome with immunologic abnormalities.

Guillain-Barré syndrome and the nephrotic syndrome developed in a patient simultaneously. Analysis of renal biopsy by light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopy showed lipoid nephrosis. T-cell lymphocytopenia, lymphocytotoxic antibodies, depressed lymphocyte mitogenesis, and anergy also complicated the illness. The immunologic abnormalities resolved when the polyradiculoneuritis and lipoid nephrosis remitted. This previously undescribed association illustrates the occurrence of two postulated cell-mediated autoimmune disorders despite the presence of depressed cell-mediated immunity.