A Case Report of Guillain-Barré Syndrome In Association with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Malaysia.

PURPOSE: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration is very rare. Early recognition of GBS at early stage could prevent extensive nerve damage with potential respiratory and autonomic failure. CASE REPORT: We report a case of paraparetic spectrum of GBS in a 53-year-old lady who presented with rapidly progressive acute flaccid paralysis involving both lower extremities with areflexia eight days after the first dose of Sinovac vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in Malaysia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albuminocytological dissociation was seen and nerve conduction study (NCS) revealed sensory neuropathy. The diagnosis of GBS was made based on the Brighton criteria. Patient responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). CONCLUSION: Though there is currently no convincing evidence of any causation between GBS and SARS- CoV-2 vaccination, clinicians should remain vigilant and consider GBS in the differential diagnosis for patient who presents with weakness with reduced or absent deep tendon reflex after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

The effects of age on clinical characteristics, hospitalization and mortality of patients with influenza-related illness at a tertiary care centre in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Age is an established risk factor for poor outcomes in individuals with influenza-related illness, and data on its influence on clinical presentations and outcomes in the South-East Asian settings are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the above among adults with influenza-related upper respiratory tract infection at a teaching hospital in Malaysia. METHODS: A retrospective case-note analysis was conducted on a cohort of 3935 patients attending primary care at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia from February 2012 till May 2014 with URTI symptoms. Demographics, clinical characteristics, medical and vaccination history were obtained from electronic medical records, and mortality data from the National Registration Department. Comparisons were made between those aged <25, ≥25 to <65 and ≥65 years. RESULTS: 470 (11.9%) had PCR-confirmed influenza virus infection. Six (1.3%) received prior influenza vaccination. Those aged ≥65 years were more likely to have ≥2 comorbidities (P < .001) and were less likely to present with fever (P = .004). One-third of those aged ≥65 years experienced hospitalization, intensive care admission or death within a year compared to 10% in the ≥25 to <65 years. Age ≥65 years was an independent predictor of hospitalization and death (OR = 9.97; 95% CI = 3.11-31.93) compared to those aged <25 years. CONCLUSION: Older patients in our cohort were more likely to have comorbidities and present with atypical features, with older age being an independent predictor of poor health outcomes. Our findings will now inform future health policies on older persons and economic modelling of adult vaccination programmes.