PREVALENCE AND ASSOOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Background Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune neuropathy, with limited data on its prevalence and characteristics in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, demographic profile, and demographic-prevalence relationships of GBS at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. Methods A retrospective review of 20 Neurology ward patient records was conducted. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, antecedent events, comorbidities, neuropathy subtypes, and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression assessed associations. Results GBS was diagnosed in 5 patients (25%, 95% CI not calculated due to small sample), with neuropathy subtypes including diabetic (45%), idiopathic (20%), multiple/mononeuropathy multiplex (15%), demyelinating polyneuropathy (10%), and peripheral neuropathy (10%). Mean age was 52.05 ± 15.4 years; 60% were male, 65% rural, and 60% Benin ethnicity. Diabetes (55%) and alcohol exposure (35%) were common, but no significant associations with GBS were found (e.g., diabetes: χ²=3.3, p=0.069; age: B=0.034, p=0.326). Ascending weakness (25%) and chronic symptoms (60%) predominated. Outcomes included 75% independent walking and 5% mortality. Diagnostic limitations included no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and 80% missing nerve conduction studies (NCS). Conclusion The 25% GBS prevalence likely reflects sampling bias, with diabetic neuropathy dominant due to Nigeria’s diabetes burden. Diagnostic gaps highlight the need for improved EMG/CSF access. Larger, multi-center studies are recommended to clarify GBS epidemiology and enhance neuropathy management in Nigeria.