1Dean Faculty of Ayurveda, Parul University, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul University
2IDCCM Fellowship Student, Parul University
3Associate Professor, Department of RSBK, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul University
4Chief Intensivist, Parul Sevashram Hospital
5Associate Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul University
Received: 15th Feb, 2026; Revised: 27th Feb 2026; Accepted: 20th Mar, 2026; Available Online: 5th Apr, 2026
Background: Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by rapidly progressive weakness and variable clinical severity, frequently necessitating intensive care support. Axonal variants, particularly in Indian populations, are associated with more severe disease, higher ventilatory requirements, and poorer outcomes. Despite the established efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), morbidity and mortality remain significant among critically ill patients.
Objectives: To evaluate the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, electrophysiological subtypes, intensive care course, and in-hospital outcomes of adult patients with GBS treated with IVIG in a tertiary-care intensive care unit.
Methods: A retrospective observational case series was conducted from January to December 2025 in the ICU of a tertiary-care center. Adult patients (≥18 years) meeting Brighton diagnostic criteria (Levels 1–3) and treated with standard IVIG therapy (0.4 g/kg/day for 5 days) were included. Data on demographics, antecedent events, clinical presentation, electrophysiological subtype, need for mechanical ventilation, ICU duration, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 15 patients were included (mean age: 35.5 years; 66.7% male). Antecedent infections were identified in 73.3% of cases. The predominant electrophysiological subtype was Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (53.3%), followed by Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (26.7%) and Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (20%). Mechanical ventilation was required in 40% of patients. The mean ICU stay was 21 days. Major ICU complications included respiratory failure, sepsis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and pulmonary atelectasis. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 13.3%.
Conclusion: This ICU-based case series highlights a predominance of axonal variants of Guillain–Barré Syndrome, associated with significant ventilatory support and prolonged intensive care utilization. Despite timely administration of IVIG, mortality remains considerable in severe presentations. Early diagnosis, prompt risk stratification, and optimized multidisciplinary critical care management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords: Guillain–Barré syndrome, AMAN, Intravenous immunoglobulin, Mechanical ventilation, Intensive care unit, Axonal neuropathy
How to cite this article: Toshikhane H, Patel A, Chauhan D, Rangwala M, Daga H. Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in ICU-Managed Guillain–Barré Syndrome: Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcomes. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4): 43. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4.6
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None