Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume 201, Issue 1 , Pages 13-17, 15 September 2002

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

  • Robert A.J.A.M Bernsen

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Fax: +31-50-361-1707
    • Department of Neurology, University Hospital, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Aeiko E.J de Jager

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University Hospital, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Paul I.M Schmitz

      Affiliations

    • Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital and Erasmus University, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
    • ,
  • Frans G.A van der Meché

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Erasmus University, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Received 18 December 2001; received in revised form 20 May 2002; accepted 21 May 2002.

Abstract 

Objective: To determine the long-term impact of Guillain–Barré 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–Barré 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.

Keywords:  Guillain–Barré syndrome, Long-term, Psychosocial effects, Work, Leisure activities, Partner

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PII: S0022-510X(02)00158-2

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume 201, Issue 1 , Pages 13-17, 15 September 2002

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