Guillain-Barré syndrome in Kenya: a clinical review of 54 patients.

During an 8-year period, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was diagnosed in 54 Kenyans. Overall, the outcome was poor. Only 26 patients (48%) walked unaided within 3 month of the height of their paralysis. Five patients (9%) died from respiratory failure and 14 (26%) remained severely disabled from bilateral foot drop by the end of 16 months. Paralysis of lower cranial nerves and sphincter dysfunction were frequently associated with respiratory failure. Whether these features can predict the likelihood of respiratory failure developing requires further evaluation.