ABSTRACT
Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS] has become the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis with virtual elimination of poliomyelitis. It has become apparent that the clinical spectrum of GBS comprises a group of pathological entities, each with distinctive features. The present study was conducted on 40 GBS children who were admitted to Alexandria University Children's Hospital from the start of April 2001 till the end of October 2002. The study finally concluded that: 1. Abnormalities of nerve conduction were the most sensitive and specific finding in GBS. 2. The electrophysiological type which was recorded in majority of the studied cases was acute inflammatory demy elina ting polyradiculo-neuropathy [AIDP], 30 cases [75%]. 3. The most reliable indicators for poor prognosis were respiratory muscle paralysis with the need for ventilation and/or electro diagnostic evidence of markedly reduced amplitude of motor action potentials of less than 20% of the lower limit of normal. 4. General supportive measures still remain important in the management. 5. Specific immunotherapy like I. V. immunoglobulin was found to be effective, particularly if started early within 2 weeks of onset of symptoms. 6. GBS has a good prognosis and mortality rate was about 11% which is similar to that in other studies