Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune peripheral neuropathy. Its hallmark features include rapidly progressive muscle weakness and areflexia. This report describes a 34-year-old woman in the third trimester of pregnancy who presented with limb weakness and was diagnosed with GBS. The patient underwent treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose corticosteroid therapy. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old pregnant woman developed bilateral limb weakness at 36 weeks of gestation. Upon hospital admission and clinical evaluation, multidisciplinary consultation was conducted. Considering her history of diarrhea 1 week earlier, the presence of dyspnea, bilateral limb muscle weakness, physical examination findings of decreased muscle strength and diminished deep tendon reflexes with preserved limb sensation, GBS was suspected as the primary diagnosis. As her condition continued to deteriorate, she underwent an emergency cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Postoperatively, her muscle weakness progressively worsened. IVIG and high-dose corticosteroid therapy was initiated, resulting in significant clinical improvement. Both mother and infant were subsequently discharged to a local hospital for continued rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the dynamic progression of GBS, particularly in obstetric populations, and emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes. The report aims to enhance clinical awareness, improve diagnostic accuracy, and inform therapeutic strategies for similar cases.