Abstract

RESPONSE OF ANTI-CARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES TO VARIOUS TREATMENT MODALITIES IN GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies in serum samples of Guillain Barre patients not previously diagnosed with autoimmunity disorder and to examine the fluctuation in ACA in serum samples of GBS patients in response to the course of treatment. Twenty one patients were recruited in this study and were divided into 2 main groups based on the treatment method, the first group received plasma exchange and the second group received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Anticardiolipin antibodies were assessed in all our patients and were compared to the normal control group to establish a cut-off value of 10 U/ml. The results showed a significant reduction in serum Anticardiolipin antibodies in all our patients after starting of the treatment. In addition, patients received plasma exchange therapy had a more significant reduction in this marker compared to the patients received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy at p<0.05. The current study illustrate the beneficial use of anti-cardiolipin antibodies titre in monitoring patient’s response to treatment in Guillain Barre syndrome and favours the plasma exchange to the intravenous immunoglobulin as the preferred method of treatment which has the best outcome.

Keywords: Anti-cardiolipin antibodies, Guillain Barre Syndrome, Plasma exchange, Intravenous immunoglobulin