Guillain-Barré syndrome. Clinicoepidemiologic features and effect of influenza vaccine.

A study of the epidemiologic and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota, over the 46-year period 1935 through 1980 was conducted through the centralized diagnostic index maintained at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. A total of 48 cases were identified, giving an age- and sex-adjusted incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 person-years. The rate increased over time from 1.2 in the interval 1935 through 1956 to 2.4 in the interval 1970 through 1980. Males were affected more than females (age-adjusted rates of 2.3 and 1.2, respectively). The rate increased with age from 0.8 in those under 18 years old to 3.2 for those 60 years and older. Antecedent infectious diseases were reported in 65% of the cases. Implications with regard to the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with the A/New Jersey/76 (swine flu) vaccine are discussed.