The epidemiology, clinical characteristics, management and outcome of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) differ between low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC). At present, limited data are available on GBS in LMIC and the true incidence of GBS in many LMIC remains unknown. Increased understanding of GBS in LMIC is needed because poor hygiene and high exposure to infections render populations in LMIC vulnerable to GBS outbreaks. Furthermore, insufficient diagnostic and health-care facilities in LMIC contribute to delayed diagnosis in patients with severe presentations of GBS. In addition, the lack of national clinical guidelines and absence of affordable, effective treatments contribute to worse outcomes and higher mortality in LMIC than HIC. Systematic population-based surveillance studies, cohort and case–control studies are required to understand the incidence and risk factors for GBS. Novel, targeted and cost-effective treatment strategies need to be developed in the context of health system challenges in LMIC. To ensure integrative rehabilitation services in LMIC, existing prognostic models must be validated, and responsive outcome measures that are cross-culturally applicable must be developed. Therefore, fundamental and applied research to improve the clinical management of GBS in LMIC should become a critical focus of future research programmes. The incidence and severity of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) are increased in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) by distinct geographic, economic and environmental factors. Here, Papri and colleagues highlight the most important challenges and knowledge gaps relating to GBS in LMIC. Key points The considerable regional variation evident in the epidemiology, subtypes and management of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) can be explained by geography, population demographics, environmental and economic factors. Poor hygiene and sanitation along with frequent exposure to pathogens render populations in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases that can trigger GBS. High rates of adverse outcomes and mortality in LMIC can be explained by insufficient health-care infrastructure leading to diagnostic delays and lack of available and affordable treatment. Owing to differences in disease severity, clinical presentation and patient management between high-income countries (HIC) and LMIC, existing models to predict the outcome of GBS must be validated for LMIC. New and low-cost treatment strategies for GBS need to be developed along with improved access to integrative rehabilitation services in LMIC.
【저자키워드】 neuromuscular disease,