Guillain-Barré syndrome as the first presentation of human immunodeficiency virus infection

• Main Authors: Mariana Lopes, Patrícia Marques, Bruno Silva, Gonçalo Cruz, José Eduardo Serra, Eugenia Ferreira, Helena Alves, José Saraiva da Cunha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-08-01
• Series: BMC Neurology
• Subjects: Guillain-Barre Syndrome; HIV; Antiretroviral Therapy
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02350-1

Abstract Aim Antiretroviral therapy (ART) development has reduced the severity of neurological complications of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but they remain prevalent and need prompt recognition. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is a rare complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that may appear at any stage of the disease. In this case, AIDP represents a late presentation of HIV infection. Methods Descriptive study. Patient data were collected from their medical records and by health assessment interviews. Results We report a case of a 52-year-old male with acute lower limb weakness. Given the suggestive clinical presentation of AIDP and a positive HIV test, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered along with antiretroviral therapy. Progressive weakness to the upper limbs, autonomic dysfunction, and pain was observed. The second regimen of IVIG plus corticosteroids was administered. Muscle strength improved after three weeks. Conclusions Screening for HIV in a patient with AIDP may provide a better outcome because of the early start of ART with good central nervous system penetration in HIV-infected patients.