Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease in children, and its clinical presentation is not well recognised. The described patients presented to the emergency department with symptoms typical of the disease. However in both cases, the doctor on call did not suspect the progressive phase of GBS. In younger children, the prevailing pain syndrome can mask the fulminant course of disease and developing respiratory insufficiency, leading to late diagnosis and death. A sudden onset of strong pain in lower limbs and significant gait disturbance should make attending doctors consider the possibility of developing GBS. Although children usually recover from GBS fast and well when diagnosed on time and treated early, late onset complications of the disease should not be overlooked. A follow-up consultation is recommended three years after the acute phase to check for any remaining sensory or motor deficits, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. The exact pathophysiology of demyelinating GBS is still not known, however, it has been shown to be related to certain pathogens and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which may activate autoreactive T cells and other immune cells. Therefore, in case of infectious disease outbreaks or implementing new immune therapies, the possibility of neurological complications must always be kept in mind.