Long-term impact on work and private life after Guillain-Barre syndrome

Objective: To determine the long-term impact of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) on work and private life of patients and their partners. Methods: Three to six years after the onset of GBS 150 patients who participated in the Dutch Guillain-Barre trial received a questionnaire specifically drafted for this study to survey their present psychosocial status. Furthermore, their present physical status was established. Results: A total of 122 patients participated. Thirty-one percent showed moderate to serious physical residua after a functional assessment. Due to GBS, 38% of the patients who held a job had to change it, 44% altered their leisure activities, 37% of the patients did not function as well at home as before GBS and 39% reported a change in their partners' lives. Almost half of the patients still had negative comments on their present psychosocial situation. Conclusion: GBS has a serious long-term impact on the patients' work and private life and that of their partners. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved

Residual physical outcome and daily living 3 to 6 years after Guillain-Barre syndrome

Three to six years after onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome, 63% of 122 patients showed one or more changes in their lifestyle, work, or leisure activities, or in the life of their partners. The changes were influenced by an impaired final functional outcome, along with loss of power and poor condition, although physically recovered patients showed these changes as well

Long-term impact on work and private life after Guillain-Barre syndrome

Objective: To determine the long-term impact of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) on work and private life of patients and their partners. Methods: Three to six years after the onset of GBS 150 patients who participated in the Dutch Guillain-Barre trial received a questionnaire specifically drafted for this study to survey their present psychosocial status. Furthermore, their present physical status was established. Results: A total of 122 patients participated. Thirty-one percent showed moderate to serious physical residua after a functional assessment. Due to GBS, 38% of the patients who held a job had to change it, 44% altered their leisure activities, 37% of the patients did not function as well at home as before GBS and 39% reported a change in their partners' lives. Almost half of the patients still had negative comments on their present psychosocial situation. Conclusion: GBS has a serious long-term impact on the patients' work and private life and that of their partners. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved