"Results
In our study, we analyzed 42 case reports published in peer-reviewed journals. These reports involved a total of 67 individuals who developed GBS [Guillain–Barré syndrome] following COVID-19 vaccination. Among the cases reviewed, the highest number of GBS cases, 36 individuals, were reported after receiving the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. This was followed by 12 cases after Pfizer vaccination, 6 cases after Johnson & Johnson vaccination, 5 cases after Sputnik vaccination, 5 cases after Moderna vaccination, 2 cases after Sinopharm vaccination, and 1 case after Corbevax COVID-19 vaccination...
Discussion
...Patients experienced ascending progressive paresthesia in the distal lower and upper limbs, along with muscle weakness and decreased or absent reflexes. This pattern of clinical presentation aligns with the typical manifestations of GBS, indicating a potential causal link between vaccination and GBS development ...
The time interval between vaccination and symptom onset averaged 12.67 days, suggesting a relatively short latency period for GBS development. This temporal association supports the hypothesis that COVID-19 vaccination may trigger an immune response leading to the development of GBS...
Treatment options for GBS following vaccination included intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, and plasmapheresis. IVIG was commonly used and showed effectiveness in halting the progression of neuropathy and improving muscle strength. With regard to outcomes, the favorable outcome was achieved in less than half the cases; in most cases, patients had partial recovery. Nine patients required mechanical ventilation...
The potential association between autoimmune diseases and vaccination can be attributed to various mechanisms. These include the similarity of vaccine epitopes with myelin or axon epitopes, which may trigger immune responses at the cellular and humoral levels. Additionally, direct exposure of vaccine virus or vaccine-related components could potentially lead to the degradation of axon or myelin membranes."
