SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Acute Flaccid Paralysis 
(AFP) 
Dr . AJAYAN.P 
JIPMER
digram of a cross section through the spinal cord 
The dorsal root on each side conveys sensory information to the spinal cord; 
the ventral root conveys motor commands to the muscles.
Differential Diagnosis of Acute Weakness: 
 Cerebral: Bilateral strokes, Hysteria… 
 Cerebellar : Acute cerebellar ataxia syndromes. 
 Spinal: Compressive myolopathy , 
Transverse myelitis . 
 Peripheral nerve: Acute inflammatory demyelinating 
neuropathy, 
Toxic neuropathy, 
Diphtheria, 
Tick paralysis
DD of Acute Weakness (cont): 
Neuromuscular junction: 
Botulism, 
Myasthenia Gravis… 
Muscle disease: Acute myositis. 
Acute inflammatory myopathies 
Metabolic myopathies , 
Periodic paralysis…
Acute Flaccid Paralysis
Acute Flaccid Paralysis 
WHO defines AFP syndrome as “ Rapid onset of 
weakness of an individual’s extremities, often 
including weakness of muscles of respiration & 
swallowing, progressing to maximum severity 
within 1-10 days. 
The term ‘flaccid’ indicates the absence of : 
 Spasticity. 
 Other signs of disordered CNS motor tracts such 
as : 
Hyperflexia, 
Clonus, 
Extensor plantar response .
Clinically spasticity is defined as 
velocity dependent resistance to 
stretch, where a lack of inhibition 
results in excessive contraction of the 
muscles, ultimately leading to 
hyperflexia (overly flexed joints).
AFP is an emergency in which 
management priorities are to 
support vital functions and reach 
a specific diagnosis in a timely 
manner with a focused history 
and physical examination.
DD of Acute Flaccid Paralysis 
Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 
 Poliomyelitis. 
Transverse Myelitis.
Fever at onset - Polio or enteroviralmyelitis, 
Transverse 
myelitis, myositis, epidural abscess, and 
Koch spine (prolonged history) 
Trauma: head/neck Trivial trauma may lead to 
spinal 
compression in patients with cervical 
vertebral instability (Patients with 
Downs syndrome, congenital 
cervicovertebral anomalies or juvenile 
idiopathic arthritis)
Exposure Toxins: lead, arsenic 
Snake envenomation 
Dog bite: Rabies 
Preceding infectious 
prodrome/vaccination 
Guillain Barre syndrome or transverse 
myelitis 
Sore throat, neck swelling- diphtheretic 
polyneuropathy (non/partly immunized
Precipitating factors Diarrhea: Hypokalemia, 
enteroviral 
myelitis 
Exertion or post parandial: Hypokalemic 
periodic paralysis 
Intramuscular injection: Polio, traumatic 
sciatic neuritis 
Sensory loss/level -Compressive myelopathy, 
transverse 
myelitis
Early bowel/bladder 
involvement 
Compressive myelopathy, transverse 
myelitis 
Constipation in <1 y Botulism (H/o honey 
exposure) 
Prominent autonomic 
signs/symptoms 
Guillain Barre syndrome, Rabies, acute 
myelopathy
Ascending weakness Guillain Barre syndrome, 
Rabies, 
Varicella zoster virus, ascending myelitis 
Descending weakness ---Diphtheria, Botulism 
Prominent and earl 
ptosis 
Myasthenia Gravis, Botulism
Facial weakness Guillain Barre syndrome, 
Myasthenia 
Gravis, Botulism 
Fluctuating symptoms, 
fatigability 
Myasthenia Gravis 
Muscle tenderness ----Myositis, inflammatory 
myopathy, 
(myalgias may be severe in Guillain 
Barre syndrome
Muscle stretch reflexes 
Absent: Guillain Barre syndrome, Polio, 
Diphtheria, spinal shock, at level of 
spinal cord damage 
Preserved : Myasthenia Gravis, periodic 
paralysis, Botulism 
Exaggerated : Below level of spinal lesion, 
Upper motor neuron lesion
Spinal tenderness, 
painful spine 
movement 
Spinal trauma, epidural abscess
1)Spinal cord -Compressive -Traumatic spinal 
injury, epidural 
abscess, hematoma, discitis 
inflammatory-- Transverse myelitis
2)Anterior horn 
cell 
Viral - Poliomyelitis, vaccine associated 
poliomyelitis, Enteroviral 
myelitis, Japanese encephalitis 
Vascular ----Anterior spinal artery infarction
3)Roots/nerves- Immune mediated-- Guillain 
Barre syndrome, 
Toxin-- Post diphtheritic, porphyria, 
arsenic 
Viral ------Rabies 
Trauma ----Injection related sciatic neuritis
4)Neuromuscular 
junction 
Immune mediated--- Myasthenia Gravis 
Drugs, toxins-- Organophosphates, snake venom, 
drugs (aminoglycosides), 
Botulism 
Dyselectrolytemia ------Hypermagnesemia 
5
5) Muscle ----Infection Viral myositis 
Inflammation --nflammatory myopathy 
(polymyositis) 
Channelopathy ---Hypokalemic periodic 
paralysis 
Dyselectrolytemia -------------------Hypokalemia
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré Syndrome : 
• It is an acute idiopathic monophasic acquired 
inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculo-neuropathy. 
• Polyradiculopathy refers to damage to multiple 
nerve roots sufficient to produce neurologic 
symptoms & signs such as pain, weakness, and 
sensory affection. 
• GBS is the most common cause of acute flaccid 
paralysis in healthy infants and children.
)1865-1826( 
Georges Charles Guillain, 
neurologist (1876-1961), 
André Strohl, 
physicien (1887- 
1977) 
Jean-Alexandre Barré, 
neurologist (1880- 
1967) 
French neurologists and physicians first started 
describing Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 1859
Epidemiology : 
• The annual incidence 0.6 to 2.4 cases / 100,000 
population and occurs at all ages and in both sexes. 
• The incidence is lower in children, 0.38 and 0.91 
cases / 100,000 in two reports. 
• Occurs rarely in children younger than 2 years of 
age, but can occur in infants. 
• Males are affected 1.5 times <females in all ages.
GBS.Pathophysiology : 
• Immune mediated disease. 
• There is no known genetic factors. 
• 2/3 of cases follow a respiratory or GI infection. 
• Campylobacter infection is the most common, but other 
organisms include CMV, EBV, HSV, Enteroviruses,… 
• Guillain-Barré syndrome has been reported to follow : 
– vaccinations . 
– epidural anesthesia. 
– thrombolytic agents.
The pathophysiologic mechanism of an antecedent 
illness and of GBS can be typified by Campylobacter jejuni 
infections. 
 The virulence of C jejuni is thought to be based on the 
presence of specific antigens in its capsule that are shared 
with nerves. 
Immune responses directed against lipopolysaccharide 
antigens in the capsule of C jejuni result in antibodies that 
cross-react with ganglioside GM1 in myelin, resulting in the 
immunologic damage to the peripheral nervous system. 
 This process has been termed molecular mimicry.
GBS.Pathophysiology : 
• The main lesions are acute inflammatory 
demyelinating polyradiculopathy, with acute 
axonal degeneration in some cases, 
particularly those following campylobacter 
infection. 
• A variety of auto-antibodies to gangliosides 
have been identified especially with axonal 
forms of the disease.
Pathologic findings in GBS include : 
 lymphocytic infiltration of spinal roots and 
peripheral nerves (cranial nerves may be involved 
as well), 
 followed by macrophage-mediated, multifocal 
stripping of myelin. 
This phenomenon results in defects in the 
propagation of electrical nerve impulses, with 
eventual absence or profound delay in conduction, 
causing flaccid paralysis. 
Recovery is typically associated with 
remyelination.
Afp 30.07.2014
Hypothetical mechanism of immune response in Guillain-Barré syndrome Inflammatory 
infiltrates
Clinical Features of GBS : 
Usually 2 - 4 weeks following respiratory or GI infection. 
• The classic presentation: 
* Fine paresthesias in the toes and fingertips. 
* Lower extremity weakness: symmetric & ascending. 
* Gait unsteadiness. 
* Inability to walk. 
* Respiratory muscles involvement. 
* Neuropathic pain… low back pain. 
• Cranial Neuropathy: 
Facial nerve is most commonly affected, resulting in 
bilateral facial weakness.
Clinical Features… cont : 
By the peak of the illness, the frequency of 
symptoms was as follows: 
- 79% had neuropathic pain. 
- 60% could not walk . 
- 51% had autonomic dysfunction. 
- 46% had cranial nerve involvement. 
- 24% could not use their arms. 
- 13% required mechanical ventilation.
46% 
had 
cranial 
nerve 
involve 
ment.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination : 
• Symmetric limb weakness. 
• diminished or absent reflexes. 
• Vibration and position sensation are affected 
in 40% of cases. 
• Autonomic dysfunction: 
* Cardiac dysrhythmias. 
* Orthostatic hypotension, 
* Hypertension. 
* Paralytic ileus . 
* Bladder dysfunction.
 A reflex is an involuntary and 
nearly immediate movement in 
response to a stimulus mediated via 
the reflex arc. 
 reflexes = peripheral problem. 
 reflexes = central problem.
Human reflexes 
:Stretch reflexes 
• Jaw jerk reflex: (CN V) 
• Biceps reflex (C5, C6) 
• Brachio-radialis reflex (C5, C6, C7) 
• Extensor digitorum reflex (C6, C7) 
• Triceps reflex (C6, C7, C8) 
• Patellar reflex or knee-jerk reflex L2, L3, L4) 
• Ankle jerk reflex (Achilles reflex) (S1, S2) 
While the reflexes above are stimulated mechanically, the 
term H-reflex refers to the analogous reflex stimulated 
electrically, and Tonic vibration reflex for those stimulated 
to vibration.
Name Sensory Motor 
Pupillary light 
reflex 
II III 
Accommodation 
reflex 
II III 
Jaw jerk reflex V V 
Corneal reflex, 
also known as the 
blink reflex 
V VII 
Vestibulo-ocular 
reflex 
VIII III, IV, VI + 
Gag reflex IX X
Simple Reflex Arc
Clinical Course : 
• >90% of patients reach the lowest point of their 
function within 2 - 4 weeks, with return of 
function occurring slowly over the course of 
weeks to months. 
• The clinical course of GBS in children is shorter 
than in adults and recovery is more complete. 
• In patients who did not require mechanical 
ventilation, the median time to recovery of 
independent walking was 43 to 52 days in 
children compared to 85 days in adults.
Forms of GBS : 
• Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy 
(AIDP): the most common form in developed countries. 
• Acute motor axonal neuropathy: more common in 
developing countries. More severe with common 
respiratory involvement. Strong association with 
campylobacter. 
• Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy. 
• Miller Fisher syndrome: triad of external ophthalmo-plegia, 
Ataxia, areflexia with muscle weakness. 
• Polyneuritis cranialis: associated with CMV infection.
Afp 30.07.2014
Diagnosis : 
Cerebrospinal Fluid: 
- After the first week of symptoms 
typically reveals: 
normal pressure, 
normal cell count. 
elevated proteins (greater than 50 mg/dL) 
- Early in the course (less than one 
week), protein levels may not yet be 
elevated, ( rarely remain persistently 
normal) .
Diagnosis: 
Electro-physiologic studies: 
- Most specific and sensitive tests 
for diagnosis. 
- Evidence evolving multifocal 
demyelination. 
- A normal study after several days 
of symptoms, makes the diagnosis of 
Guillain-Barré syndrome unlikely.
Afp 30.07.2014
Doubt the Diagnosis of GBS IF: 
• Marked persistent asymmetry of weakness. 
• Persistent bladder or bowel dysfunction. 
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction at the onset. 
• Mononuclear leukocytosis in the CSF > 50. 
• Sharp sensory level. 
• Pupillary abnormalities are not seen in GBS.
GBS Management
GBS Management: 
• Critical care monitoring for autonomic and 
respiratory dysfunction. 
• Children with the following should be admitted to 
PICU: 
a. Flaccid quadriparesis. 
b. Rapidly progressive weakness. 
c. Reduced vital capacity (≤20 mL/kg) 
d. Bulbar palsy. 
e. Autonomic cardiovascular instability. 
N.B: Sedation and neuromuscular blockade should 
be avoided in ventilated patients because they 
obscure the course of the illness.
GBS Management: 
Risk factors for respiratory failure in GBS: 
 Cranial nerve involvement. 
 Short time from preceding respiratory illness. 
 Rapid progression over less than 7 days. 
 Elevated CSF protein in the first week. 
 Severe weakness: unable to lift elbows above the bed 
unable to lift head above the bed 
unable to stand. 
 20% of children with GBS require mechanical 
ventilation for respiratory failure.
Special Therapy : 
Immune modulatory therapy: 
Intravenous Immunoglobulins. 
Plasmapheresis. 
• Both therapies have been shown to shorten 
recovery time by as much 50%. 
• Combining plasma exchange and IVIG neither 
improved outcomes nor shortened the duration of 
illness.
INTRAVENOUS 
IMMUNE GLOBULIN
I V. IMMUNE GLOBULIN : 
• IVIG is preferred to plasma exchange in children 
because of the relative safety and ease of administration, 
although it has not been shown to have better results. 
• Randomized trials in severe disease show that IVIG 
started within 4 weeks from onset hastens recovery as 
much as plasmapheresis. 
• Long-term outcome, however, may not be affected. 
• Studies have demonstrated that one effect of the IVIG is 
to neutralize neuromuscular blocking antibodies.
IVIG Regimens : 
• Several IVIG regimens have been utilized. One regimen 
includes daily IVIG for 5 days at a dose of 0.4 gm/kg 
/day, which results in an improvement within a mean of 2 
to 3 days after the start of therapy. Other authors use 2 
gm/kg of IVIG given as a single dose or 1gm/kg/day for 2 
days. 
• One study compared the outcome of 0.4 gm/kg/day given 
for 3 days versus 6 days. In that study, the 6 days of IVIG 
was superior when “time to walking” was used as an 
endpoint. 
• When comparing treatments of 1gm/kg for 2 days versus 
0.4gm/kg over 5 days, no significant difference in the 
effectiveness was noted in the 2 treatment regimens. 
However, early “relapses” were more frequently observed 
in the shorter treatment group.
Plasmapheresis : 
• Studies in children indicate that 
plasmapheresis may decrease the 
severity and shorten the duration of 
GBS. 
• It is most beneficial when started 
within 7 days of the onset of symptoms 
but is still beneficial in patients treated 
up to 30 days after disease onset.
Management…cont : 
• Corticosteroids are not effective and 
not indicated 
• Interferon-ß reported to be beneficial 
in individual cases, but its safety and 
efficacy have not been established in 
clinical trials.
Prognosis
Prognosis : 
• In general, the prognosis in affected 
children is better than adults. 
• Recurrences are uncommon but can 
occur in children. Some may have a 
chronic progressive course, whereas 
others may show recurrences or 
relapses.
Prognosis : 
At long-term follow up, 93% were free 
of symptoms, and the remainder were 
able to walk unaided. 
50% are ambulatory by 6 mo, 
70% walk within ayear of onset of the 
disease. 
Mortality is approximately 3 to 4%, 
and usually is secondary to autonomic 
dysfunction and respiratory failure.
Afp 30.07.2014
Please don’t miss the diagnosis of GBS. By 
noting: 
 Symptoms begin 2 - 4 weeks following 
respiratory or GI infection. 
 Diminished or absent reflexes. 
 Symmetric & ascending lower 
extremity weakness. 
 Sensations intact : Fine paresthesias in 
the toes and fingertips. 
 No bladder or bowel dysfunction at 
the onset.
Afp 30.07.2014

More Related Content

PPTX
An approach to a Floppy infant - Dr Sujit
PPTX
Epilepsy Syndromes
PPTX
Congenital myopathy
PPT
Infantile spasm and hypsarrythmia
PPTX
Sydenham Chorea
PDF
Floppy infant
PPT
Pediatric Neurology OSCE (PG CME -Wadia)
PPTX
Approach to neurodegenerative disorders new praman
An approach to a Floppy infant - Dr Sujit
Epilepsy Syndromes
Congenital myopathy
Infantile spasm and hypsarrythmia
Sydenham Chorea
Floppy infant
Pediatric Neurology OSCE (PG CME -Wadia)
Approach to neurodegenerative disorders new praman

What's hot (20)

PPTX
Autoimmune encephalitis ppt
PPTX
Approach to myopathy
PPTX
approach to a floppy infant
PPTX
Approach to a case of Fever with altered sensorium
PPTX
Eeg in pediatric (DNB PEDIATRIC)
PPTX
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDER OF CHILDHOOD
PPTX
Approach to Milestone Regression
PPT
Ataxia in children
PDF
Hypotonic infant
PPTX
Stroke syndromes
PPTX
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
PPTX
approach to comatose child
PPTX
Approach to neuroregression
PPTX
Hot water Epilepsy
PPTX
Ataxia
PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis and Surveillance 2018
PPTX
Hereditary neuropathies
PPTX
Management of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by Sunil Kumar Daha
PPTX
Neurocutaneous syndrome
PPTX
Approach to Ataxia
Autoimmune encephalitis ppt
Approach to myopathy
approach to a floppy infant
Approach to a case of Fever with altered sensorium
Eeg in pediatric (DNB PEDIATRIC)
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDER OF CHILDHOOD
Approach to Milestone Regression
Ataxia in children
Hypotonic infant
Stroke syndromes
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
approach to comatose child
Approach to neuroregression
Hot water Epilepsy
Ataxia
Acute flaccid paralysis and Surveillance 2018
Hereditary neuropathies
Management of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by Sunil Kumar Daha
Neurocutaneous syndrome
Approach to Ataxia
Ad

Viewers also liked (20)

PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis afp ‫‬
PPT
Acute flaccid paralysis: make it easy
PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP)
PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis
PPTX
Acute Flaccid Paralysis
PPT
Accute flaccid paralysis
PPT
Guillain barre synd
PPTX
PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis (polio&tm)
PPTX
Periodic paralysis
PDF
Reyes Syndrome Ppt
PPTX
Clinician sensitization on afp surveillance & polio eradication program
PPTX
Elderly male with Flaccid paraparesis diagnosed as Cauda Equina Syndrome due ...
PPTX
Stroke in children
PPTX
acute flaccid paralysis and surveillance
PPTX
Abnormal chest radiograph part 1
PPTX
Reye’s syndrome
PDF
RNT lecture schistosomiasis 2012 pdf small
PPTX
Non compressive myelopathy
Acute flaccid paralysis afp ‫‬
Acute flaccid paralysis: make it easy
Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP)
Acute flaccid paralysis
Acute Flaccid Paralysis
Accute flaccid paralysis
Guillain barre synd
Acute flaccid paralysis (polio&tm)
Periodic paralysis
Reyes Syndrome Ppt
Clinician sensitization on afp surveillance & polio eradication program
Elderly male with Flaccid paraparesis diagnosed as Cauda Equina Syndrome due ...
Stroke in children
acute flaccid paralysis and surveillance
Abnormal chest radiograph part 1
Reye’s syndrome
RNT lecture schistosomiasis 2012 pdf small
Non compressive myelopathy
Ad

Similar to Afp 30.07.2014 (20)

PPTX
Guillain-Barre syndrome; the murderer enemy
PPTX
AN-MSN II 09.6.2020AN-GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME.pptx
PPTX
GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME(GBS)
PPTX
Guillain barré syndrome
PPTX
دمحمد ابوندىAcute flaccid paralysis afp ‫‬
PDF
guillian barre.pdf
PPTX
Acute flaccid paralysis (GBS, TM, Polio, Traumatic Neuritis).pptx
PPTX
Guillain-Barré syndrome.....My Understanding..
PPTX
GB SYNDROME.pptx ddaxxdvdvsdvsdvevvergbrg
PPTX
Acute Flaccid Paralysis
PPTX
Guillain-Barré syndrome with Physiotherapeautic managements
PPT
GBS Acute Polyneuropathies (GBS)
PPTX
G ui llain- barre syndrome nazar
PPTX
GBS - Guillian Barre Syndrome
PPTX
GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME .pptx
PPT
Neuromuscular disorders in icu
PPTX
Presentation1.pptx
PPTX
peripheral neuropathy (introduction and Gillian barre syndrome .pptx
PPTX
Infectious diseases
Guillain-Barre syndrome; the murderer enemy
AN-MSN II 09.6.2020AN-GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME.pptx
GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME(GBS)
Guillain barré syndrome
دمحمد ابوندىAcute flaccid paralysis afp ‫‬
guillian barre.pdf
Acute flaccid paralysis (GBS, TM, Polio, Traumatic Neuritis).pptx
Guillain-Barré syndrome.....My Understanding..
GB SYNDROME.pptx ddaxxdvdvsdvsdvevvergbrg
Acute Flaccid Paralysis
Guillain-Barré syndrome with Physiotherapeautic managements
GBS Acute Polyneuropathies (GBS)
G ui llain- barre syndrome nazar
GBS - Guillian Barre Syndrome
GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME .pptx
Neuromuscular disorders in icu
Presentation1.pptx
peripheral neuropathy (introduction and Gillian barre syndrome .pptx
Infectious diseases

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
Imaging of parasitic D. Case Discussions.pptx
PPTX
neonatal infection(7392992y282939y5.pptx
DOCX
NEET PG 2025 | Pharmacology Recall: 20 High-Yield Questions Simplified
PPT
OPIOID ANALGESICS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
PPT
Breast Cancer management for medicsl student.ppt
PPTX
SKIN Anatomy and physiology and associated diseases
PPTX
surgery guide for USMLE step 2-part 1.pptx
PPTX
Note on Abortion.pptx for the student note
PPTX
1 General Principles of Radiotherapy.pptx
PPTX
Pathophysiology And Clinical Features Of Peripheral Nervous System .pptx
PDF
Khadir.pdf Acacia catechu drug Ayurvedic medicine
PPT
Management of Acute Kidney Injury at LAUTECH
PPTX
CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDER.POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONx
PPT
CHAPTER FIVE. '' Association in epidemiological studies and potential errors
PPTX
Chapter-1-The-Human-Body-Orientation-Edited-55-slides.pptx
PPTX
NEET PG 2025 Pharmacology Recall | Real Exam Questions from 3rd August with D...
PDF
Deadly Stampede at Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium Forensic.pdf
PDF
Therapeutic Potential of Citrus Flavonoids in Metabolic Inflammation and Ins...
PPTX
Electromyography (EMG) in Physiotherapy: Principles, Procedure & Clinical App...
PPTX
History and examination of abdomen, & pelvis .pptx
Imaging of parasitic D. Case Discussions.pptx
neonatal infection(7392992y282939y5.pptx
NEET PG 2025 | Pharmacology Recall: 20 High-Yield Questions Simplified
OPIOID ANALGESICS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
Breast Cancer management for medicsl student.ppt
SKIN Anatomy and physiology and associated diseases
surgery guide for USMLE step 2-part 1.pptx
Note on Abortion.pptx for the student note
1 General Principles of Radiotherapy.pptx
Pathophysiology And Clinical Features Of Peripheral Nervous System .pptx
Khadir.pdf Acacia catechu drug Ayurvedic medicine
Management of Acute Kidney Injury at LAUTECH
CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDER.POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONx
CHAPTER FIVE. '' Association in epidemiological studies and potential errors
Chapter-1-The-Human-Body-Orientation-Edited-55-slides.pptx
NEET PG 2025 Pharmacology Recall | Real Exam Questions from 3rd August with D...
Deadly Stampede at Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium Forensic.pdf
Therapeutic Potential of Citrus Flavonoids in Metabolic Inflammation and Ins...
Electromyography (EMG) in Physiotherapy: Principles, Procedure & Clinical App...
History and examination of abdomen, & pelvis .pptx

Afp 30.07.2014

  • 1. Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Dr . AJAYAN.P JIPMER
  • 2. digram of a cross section through the spinal cord The dorsal root on each side conveys sensory information to the spinal cord; the ventral root conveys motor commands to the muscles.
  • 3. Differential Diagnosis of Acute Weakness:  Cerebral: Bilateral strokes, Hysteria…  Cerebellar : Acute cerebellar ataxia syndromes.  Spinal: Compressive myolopathy , Transverse myelitis .  Peripheral nerve: Acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, Toxic neuropathy, Diphtheria, Tick paralysis
  • 4. DD of Acute Weakness (cont): Neuromuscular junction: Botulism, Myasthenia Gravis… Muscle disease: Acute myositis. Acute inflammatory myopathies Metabolic myopathies , Periodic paralysis…
  • 6. Acute Flaccid Paralysis WHO defines AFP syndrome as “ Rapid onset of weakness of an individual’s extremities, often including weakness of muscles of respiration & swallowing, progressing to maximum severity within 1-10 days. The term ‘flaccid’ indicates the absence of :  Spasticity.  Other signs of disordered CNS motor tracts such as : Hyperflexia, Clonus, Extensor plantar response .
  • 7. Clinically spasticity is defined as velocity dependent resistance to stretch, where a lack of inhibition results in excessive contraction of the muscles, ultimately leading to hyperflexia (overly flexed joints).
  • 8. AFP is an emergency in which management priorities are to support vital functions and reach a specific diagnosis in a timely manner with a focused history and physical examination.
  • 9. DD of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Guillain-Barré Syndrome.  Poliomyelitis. Transverse Myelitis.
  • 10. Fever at onset - Polio or enteroviralmyelitis, Transverse myelitis, myositis, epidural abscess, and Koch spine (prolonged history) Trauma: head/neck Trivial trauma may lead to spinal compression in patients with cervical vertebral instability (Patients with Downs syndrome, congenital cervicovertebral anomalies or juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
  • 11. Exposure Toxins: lead, arsenic Snake envenomation Dog bite: Rabies Preceding infectious prodrome/vaccination Guillain Barre syndrome or transverse myelitis Sore throat, neck swelling- diphtheretic polyneuropathy (non/partly immunized
  • 12. Precipitating factors Diarrhea: Hypokalemia, enteroviral myelitis Exertion or post parandial: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis Intramuscular injection: Polio, traumatic sciatic neuritis Sensory loss/level -Compressive myelopathy, transverse myelitis
  • 13. Early bowel/bladder involvement Compressive myelopathy, transverse myelitis Constipation in <1 y Botulism (H/o honey exposure) Prominent autonomic signs/symptoms Guillain Barre syndrome, Rabies, acute myelopathy
  • 14. Ascending weakness Guillain Barre syndrome, Rabies, Varicella zoster virus, ascending myelitis Descending weakness ---Diphtheria, Botulism Prominent and earl ptosis Myasthenia Gravis, Botulism
  • 15. Facial weakness Guillain Barre syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Botulism Fluctuating symptoms, fatigability Myasthenia Gravis Muscle tenderness ----Myositis, inflammatory myopathy, (myalgias may be severe in Guillain Barre syndrome
  • 16. Muscle stretch reflexes Absent: Guillain Barre syndrome, Polio, Diphtheria, spinal shock, at level of spinal cord damage Preserved : Myasthenia Gravis, periodic paralysis, Botulism Exaggerated : Below level of spinal lesion, Upper motor neuron lesion
  • 17. Spinal tenderness, painful spine movement Spinal trauma, epidural abscess
  • 18. 1)Spinal cord -Compressive -Traumatic spinal injury, epidural abscess, hematoma, discitis inflammatory-- Transverse myelitis
  • 19. 2)Anterior horn cell Viral - Poliomyelitis, vaccine associated poliomyelitis, Enteroviral myelitis, Japanese encephalitis Vascular ----Anterior spinal artery infarction
  • 20. 3)Roots/nerves- Immune mediated-- Guillain Barre syndrome, Toxin-- Post diphtheritic, porphyria, arsenic Viral ------Rabies Trauma ----Injection related sciatic neuritis
  • 21. 4)Neuromuscular junction Immune mediated--- Myasthenia Gravis Drugs, toxins-- Organophosphates, snake venom, drugs (aminoglycosides), Botulism Dyselectrolytemia ------Hypermagnesemia 5
  • 22. 5) Muscle ----Infection Viral myositis Inflammation --nflammatory myopathy (polymyositis) Channelopathy ---Hypokalemic periodic paralysis Dyselectrolytemia -------------------Hypokalemia
  • 24. Guillain-Barré Syndrome : • It is an acute idiopathic monophasic acquired inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculo-neuropathy. • Polyradiculopathy refers to damage to multiple nerve roots sufficient to produce neurologic symptoms & signs such as pain, weakness, and sensory affection. • GBS is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in healthy infants and children.
  • 25. )1865-1826( Georges Charles Guillain, neurologist (1876-1961), André Strohl, physicien (1887- 1977) Jean-Alexandre Barré, neurologist (1880- 1967) French neurologists and physicians first started describing Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 1859
  • 26. Epidemiology : • The annual incidence 0.6 to 2.4 cases / 100,000 population and occurs at all ages and in both sexes. • The incidence is lower in children, 0.38 and 0.91 cases / 100,000 in two reports. • Occurs rarely in children younger than 2 years of age, but can occur in infants. • Males are affected 1.5 times <females in all ages.
  • 27. GBS.Pathophysiology : • Immune mediated disease. • There is no known genetic factors. • 2/3 of cases follow a respiratory or GI infection. • Campylobacter infection is the most common, but other organisms include CMV, EBV, HSV, Enteroviruses,… • Guillain-Barré syndrome has been reported to follow : – vaccinations . – epidural anesthesia. – thrombolytic agents.
  • 28. The pathophysiologic mechanism of an antecedent illness and of GBS can be typified by Campylobacter jejuni infections.  The virulence of C jejuni is thought to be based on the presence of specific antigens in its capsule that are shared with nerves. Immune responses directed against lipopolysaccharide antigens in the capsule of C jejuni result in antibodies that cross-react with ganglioside GM1 in myelin, resulting in the immunologic damage to the peripheral nervous system.  This process has been termed molecular mimicry.
  • 29. GBS.Pathophysiology : • The main lesions are acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy, with acute axonal degeneration in some cases, particularly those following campylobacter infection. • A variety of auto-antibodies to gangliosides have been identified especially with axonal forms of the disease.
  • 30. Pathologic findings in GBS include :  lymphocytic infiltration of spinal roots and peripheral nerves (cranial nerves may be involved as well),  followed by macrophage-mediated, multifocal stripping of myelin. This phenomenon results in defects in the propagation of electrical nerve impulses, with eventual absence or profound delay in conduction, causing flaccid paralysis. Recovery is typically associated with remyelination.
  • 32. Hypothetical mechanism of immune response in Guillain-Barré syndrome Inflammatory infiltrates
  • 33. Clinical Features of GBS : Usually 2 - 4 weeks following respiratory or GI infection. • The classic presentation: * Fine paresthesias in the toes and fingertips. * Lower extremity weakness: symmetric & ascending. * Gait unsteadiness. * Inability to walk. * Respiratory muscles involvement. * Neuropathic pain… low back pain. • Cranial Neuropathy: Facial nerve is most commonly affected, resulting in bilateral facial weakness.
  • 34. Clinical Features… cont : By the peak of the illness, the frequency of symptoms was as follows: - 79% had neuropathic pain. - 60% could not walk . - 51% had autonomic dysfunction. - 46% had cranial nerve involvement. - 24% could not use their arms. - 13% required mechanical ventilation.
  • 35. 46% had cranial nerve involve ment.
  • 37. Physical Examination : • Symmetric limb weakness. • diminished or absent reflexes. • Vibration and position sensation are affected in 40% of cases. • Autonomic dysfunction: * Cardiac dysrhythmias. * Orthostatic hypotension, * Hypertension. * Paralytic ileus . * Bladder dysfunction.
  • 38.  A reflex is an involuntary and nearly immediate movement in response to a stimulus mediated via the reflex arc.  reflexes = peripheral problem.  reflexes = central problem.
  • 39. Human reflexes :Stretch reflexes • Jaw jerk reflex: (CN V) • Biceps reflex (C5, C6) • Brachio-radialis reflex (C5, C6, C7) • Extensor digitorum reflex (C6, C7) • Triceps reflex (C6, C7, C8) • Patellar reflex or knee-jerk reflex L2, L3, L4) • Ankle jerk reflex (Achilles reflex) (S1, S2) While the reflexes above are stimulated mechanically, the term H-reflex refers to the analogous reflex stimulated electrically, and Tonic vibration reflex for those stimulated to vibration.
  • 40. Name Sensory Motor Pupillary light reflex II III Accommodation reflex II III Jaw jerk reflex V V Corneal reflex, also known as the blink reflex V VII Vestibulo-ocular reflex VIII III, IV, VI + Gag reflex IX X
  • 42. Clinical Course : • >90% of patients reach the lowest point of their function within 2 - 4 weeks, with return of function occurring slowly over the course of weeks to months. • The clinical course of GBS in children is shorter than in adults and recovery is more complete. • In patients who did not require mechanical ventilation, the median time to recovery of independent walking was 43 to 52 days in children compared to 85 days in adults.
  • 43. Forms of GBS : • Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP): the most common form in developed countries. • Acute motor axonal neuropathy: more common in developing countries. More severe with common respiratory involvement. Strong association with campylobacter. • Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy. • Miller Fisher syndrome: triad of external ophthalmo-plegia, Ataxia, areflexia with muscle weakness. • Polyneuritis cranialis: associated with CMV infection.
  • 45. Diagnosis : Cerebrospinal Fluid: - After the first week of symptoms typically reveals: normal pressure, normal cell count. elevated proteins (greater than 50 mg/dL) - Early in the course (less than one week), protein levels may not yet be elevated, ( rarely remain persistently normal) .
  • 46. Diagnosis: Electro-physiologic studies: - Most specific and sensitive tests for diagnosis. - Evidence evolving multifocal demyelination. - A normal study after several days of symptoms, makes the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome unlikely.
  • 48. Doubt the Diagnosis of GBS IF: • Marked persistent asymmetry of weakness. • Persistent bladder or bowel dysfunction. • Bladder or bowel dysfunction at the onset. • Mononuclear leukocytosis in the CSF > 50. • Sharp sensory level. • Pupillary abnormalities are not seen in GBS.
  • 50. GBS Management: • Critical care monitoring for autonomic and respiratory dysfunction. • Children with the following should be admitted to PICU: a. Flaccid quadriparesis. b. Rapidly progressive weakness. c. Reduced vital capacity (≤20 mL/kg) d. Bulbar palsy. e. Autonomic cardiovascular instability. N.B: Sedation and neuromuscular blockade should be avoided in ventilated patients because they obscure the course of the illness.
  • 51. GBS Management: Risk factors for respiratory failure in GBS:  Cranial nerve involvement.  Short time from preceding respiratory illness.  Rapid progression over less than 7 days.  Elevated CSF protein in the first week.  Severe weakness: unable to lift elbows above the bed unable to lift head above the bed unable to stand.  20% of children with GBS require mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure.
  • 52. Special Therapy : Immune modulatory therapy: Intravenous Immunoglobulins. Plasmapheresis. • Both therapies have been shown to shorten recovery time by as much 50%. • Combining plasma exchange and IVIG neither improved outcomes nor shortened the duration of illness.
  • 54. I V. IMMUNE GLOBULIN : • IVIG is preferred to plasma exchange in children because of the relative safety and ease of administration, although it has not been shown to have better results. • Randomized trials in severe disease show that IVIG started within 4 weeks from onset hastens recovery as much as plasmapheresis. • Long-term outcome, however, may not be affected. • Studies have demonstrated that one effect of the IVIG is to neutralize neuromuscular blocking antibodies.
  • 55. IVIG Regimens : • Several IVIG regimens have been utilized. One regimen includes daily IVIG for 5 days at a dose of 0.4 gm/kg /day, which results in an improvement within a mean of 2 to 3 days after the start of therapy. Other authors use 2 gm/kg of IVIG given as a single dose or 1gm/kg/day for 2 days. • One study compared the outcome of 0.4 gm/kg/day given for 3 days versus 6 days. In that study, the 6 days of IVIG was superior when “time to walking” was used as an endpoint. • When comparing treatments of 1gm/kg for 2 days versus 0.4gm/kg over 5 days, no significant difference in the effectiveness was noted in the 2 treatment regimens. However, early “relapses” were more frequently observed in the shorter treatment group.
  • 56. Plasmapheresis : • Studies in children indicate that plasmapheresis may decrease the severity and shorten the duration of GBS. • It is most beneficial when started within 7 days of the onset of symptoms but is still beneficial in patients treated up to 30 days after disease onset.
  • 57. Management…cont : • Corticosteroids are not effective and not indicated • Interferon-ß reported to be beneficial in individual cases, but its safety and efficacy have not been established in clinical trials.
  • 59. Prognosis : • In general, the prognosis in affected children is better than adults. • Recurrences are uncommon but can occur in children. Some may have a chronic progressive course, whereas others may show recurrences or relapses.
  • 60. Prognosis : At long-term follow up, 93% were free of symptoms, and the remainder were able to walk unaided. 50% are ambulatory by 6 mo, 70% walk within ayear of onset of the disease. Mortality is approximately 3 to 4%, and usually is secondary to autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure.
  • 62. Please don’t miss the diagnosis of GBS. By noting:  Symptoms begin 2 - 4 weeks following respiratory or GI infection.  Diminished or absent reflexes.  Symmetric & ascending lower extremity weakness.  Sensations intact : Fine paresthesias in the toes and fingertips.  No bladder or bowel dysfunction at the onset.