Vadodara: In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a 34-week pregnant woman diagnosed with severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) not only survived the life-threatening condition but also delivered a healthy baby at Bhailal Amin General Hospital (BAGH) in Vadodara.Doctors at BAGH described the case as highly rare and complex. GBS, an acute neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, affects only 1–2 people per 100,000 annually. Its onset during late-stage pregnancy is considered exceedingly uncommon.The woman, in her third trimester, was admitted with rapidly worsening muscle weakness. Further evaluation confirmed a severe form of GBS that had begun to impair her limbs, facial and neck muscles, and even the bulbar muscles responsible for essential functions like swallowing and breathing.“Her condition was deteriorating swiftly. We began intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy immediately, following international protocols—even before nerve conduction studies could confirm the diagnosis,” said Dr Ashish Susvirkar, consultant neurologist and movement disorders specialist at BAGH.As the syndrome began to affect her respiratory muscles, the patient was intubated and shifted to the ICU.With the pregnancy approaching full term and the mother in critical condition, the medical team—led by senior obstetrician Dr Bhavna Patel — made the decision to proceed with an emergency caesarean section, following consent from the family.The procedure was successful, and the woman delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2.6 kg. The newborn was handed over to the family in stable condition.The mother remained in intensive care for a week post-delivery. After ten days of intensive treatment, she began showing steady signs of recovery. She was eventually weaned off the ventilator and discharged after 22 days in a near-normal state—able to move and walk on her own.“She later returned to our OPD holding her baby with a smile on her face. It was an emotional moment for all of us. The outcome could have been very different had there been any delay in treatment,” Dr Susvirkar said.What is GBSGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. It often begins with weakness or tingling in the legs and can progress to muscle paralysis. Though rare — affecting just 1–2 people per 100,000 annually — GBS can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Its occurrence during late pregnancy is especially rare.
