Korean J Pediatr.  2016 Jun;59(6):271-275. 10.3345/kjp.2016.59.6.271.

Clinical importance of F-waves as a prognostic factor in Guillain-Barré syndrome in children

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. sysnow88@hanmail.net
  • 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
  • 3Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
A limited number of studies have examined the link between F-wave abnormalities and clinical presentation in pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Therefore, this study examined the importance of F-wave abnormalities as a prognostic factor in pediatric GBS patients.
METHODS
The records and electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) of 70 GBS patients were retrospectively evaluated, and divided into 2 groups according to the results of EDS. Group A (n=33) presented with F-wave abnormalities, and group B (n=26) exhibited normal findings. We compared laboratory reports, clinical features, response to treatment, and prognosis between the 2 groups.
RESULTS
Motor weakness was the most frequently observed symptom for either group. Clinically, the incidence of fever and upper respiratory symptoms differed between the 2 groups, while the prevalence of abnormal deep tendon reflex (DTR) was significantly higher in group A than B (P<0.05). Patients diagnosed with GBS had received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment: 94% in group A and 58% in group B. Furthermore, significantly greater numbers of patients in group A showed H-reflex abnormalities and poor prognosis compared with group B (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that F-waves are a clinically important prognostic factor in GBS. F-wave abnormalities were associated with abnormal DTR and poor prognosis in patients. Limited studies have examined the link between F-wave abnormalities and clinical results; therefore, further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the clinical characteristics and efficacy of treatments.

Keyword

Guillain-Barré syndrome; Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy; F-wave; Nerve conduction velocity

MeSH Terms

Child*
Fever
Guillain-Barre Syndrome*
H-Reflex
Humans
Immunoglobulins
Incidence
Prevalence
Prognosis
Reflex, Abnormal
Retrospective Studies
Immunoglobulins
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