Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests

Guillain-Barré syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Guillain-Barré syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural history, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests
CDC on Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests
Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests in the news
Blogs on Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests
Directions to Hospitals Treating Guillain-Barré syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Guillain-Barré syndrome laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]

Overview

Guillain-Barré syndrome is usually diagnosed clinically. Lab tests are done to exclude other diagnosis and assess prognosis. The lab tests ordered are basic labs (CBC, ESR), lumbar puncture (GBS has characteristic albuminocytological dissociation)and serological markers.

Laboratory Findings

Routine Labs

• Complete blood count + ESR (increased in inflammatory process)
• Serum electrolytes
• Liver function test
• Creatinine kinase increased in inflammation and myopathies
• Stool culture for campylobacter jejuni (less frequent)

Cerebrospinal Analysis

• CSF is used almost every time to verify symptoms, but because of the acute nature of the disease, they may not become abnormal until after the first week of onset of signs and symptoms.
• Typical CSF findings include an elevated protein level (100 - 1000 mg/dL) without an accompanying pleocytosis (increased cell count) (albuminocytological dissociation in the CSF). A sustained pleocytosis may indicate an alternative diagnosis such as infection
• On contrary Guillian Barre syndrome in HIV patients have CSF pleocytosis
• In 1 in 10 patients with GBS, the CSF protein may not be elevated.

Serology

• Less frequently done for campylobacter jejuni, CMV, EBV, HSV, HIV and mycoplasma pneumonia.
• Autoantibodies are only measured in case the diagnosis of GBS is uncertain. Antibodies to glycolipids, anti GM1 antibodies and Anti-GQ1b are increased.

Peripheral Neuropathy Panel

A panel of tests can be ordered in cases of diagnostic uncertainty with other peripheral neuropathies

• Vitamin B12, folic acid

• Thyroid profile (to rule out thyroid neuropathies)

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)increased in inflammatory process

• Rapid protein reagent for syphilis

• Rheumatology profiles

• Hemoglobin A1c for diabetic neuropathy

• Immunoelectrophoresis for serum protein (multiple myeloma)

• Heavy metal poisoning