Ms Sania Salim1, Ms Olivia Beattie1, Ms Tanya Harle1
1RCH, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
We are part of the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) at the Royal Children's Hospital. We regularly manage children with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation setting.
Abstract:
This retrospective study reviewed the patient presentation and management of children with GBS requiring rehabilitation. This is a particular area of interest due to the high frequency of GBS referrals received by VPRS-RCH and inconsistencies observed in patient management, length of stay and outcomes. A retrospective audit was completed to better understand the prognostic markers impacting length of stay and functional recovery.
A total of 30 medical records were reviewed of patients diagnosed with GBS requiring the VPRS-RCH between 2016- 2023. Age at diagnosis, disease severity and manifestation, length of stay, pharmacological management, outcomes and allied health involvement were recorded. Case reviews were also completed to gain an in-depth understanding on the type, frequency and intensity of allied health interventions provided to patients with GBS during inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. A review of the literature was also completed to identify best practice allied health intervention for this population.
Preliminary results have shown that the median total length of stay doubled for patients who required mechanical ventilation, plasmapheresis or more than 2 doses of IVIGs. Patients who required mechanical ventilation or more than 2 doses of IVIGs had a greater WeeFIM efficiency, meaning they had a greater change in function over a shorter length of stay. Case studies will be used to highlight current allied health treatment approaches at VPRS-RCH in comparison to the literature. This information will be used to better inform service delivery, length of stay and best practice guidelines.