> top > projects > LitCovid-sentences > docs > PMC:7445716 > annotations

PMC:7445716 JSONTXT 19 Projects

Annnotations TAB TSV DIC JSON TextAE Lectin_function IAV-Glycan

Id Subject Object Predicate Lexical cue
T1 0-102 Sentence denotes Guillain–Barré syndrome spectrum associated with COVID-19: an up-to-date systematic review of 73 cases
T2 104-112 Sentence denotes Abstract
T3 113-352 Sentence denotes Since coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in January 2020, several pieces of evidence suggested an association between the spectrum of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).
T4 353-475 Sentence denotes Most findings were reported in the form of case reports or case series, whereas a comprehensive overview is still lacking.
T5 476-567 Sentence denotes We conducted a systematic review and searched for all published cases until July 20th 2020.
T6 568-620 Sentence denotes We included 73 patients reported in 52 publications.
T7 621-714 Sentence denotes A broad age range was affected (mean 55, min 11–max 94 years) with male predominance (68.5%).
T8 715-822 Sentence denotes Most patients showed respiratory and/or systemic symptoms, and developed GBS manifestations after COVID-19.
T9 823-884 Sentence denotes However, asymptomatic cases for COVID-19 were also described.
T10 885-1174 Sentence denotes The distributions of clinical variants and electrophysiological subtypes resemble those of classic GBS, with a higher prevalence of the classic sensorimotor form and the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, although rare variants like Miller Fisher syndrome were also reported.
T11 1175-1321 Sentence denotes Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albuminocytological dissociation was present in around 71% cases, and CSF SARS-CoV-2 RNA was absent in all tested cases.
T12 1322-1428 Sentence denotes More than 70% of patients showed a good prognosis, mostly after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.
T13 1429-1590 Sentence denotes Patients with less favorable outcome were associated with a significantly older age in accordance with previous findings regarding both classic GBS and COVID-19.
T14 1591-1737 Sentence denotes COVID-19-associated GBS seems to share most features of classic post-infectious GBS and possibly the same immune-mediated pathogenetic mechanisms.
T15 1738-1826 Sentence denotes Nevertheless, more extensive epidemiological studies are needed to clarify these issues.
T16 1828-1840 Sentence denotes Introduction
T17 1841-1990 Sentence denotes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread around the world from Jan-2020, with more than 14,000,000 cases confirmed so far [1].
T18 1991-2218 Sentence denotes Although primary affecting the respiratory system, central and peripheral neurological manifestations associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been increasingly reported [2–4].
T19 2219-2371 Sentence denotes In detail, several pieces of evidence suggested an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) [5–56].
T20 2372-2441 Sentence denotes GBS represents the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis [57].
T21 2442-2682 Sentence denotes The classic form is an immune-mediated acute-onset demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy—AIDP) typically presenting with ascending weakness, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and sensory deficits.
T22 2683-2855 Sentence denotes Diagnosis of GBS relies on the results of clinical, electrophysiological, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations (classically albuminocytological dissociation) [57–59].
T23 2856-3165 Sentence denotes The clinical spectrum of GBS encompasses a classic sensorimotor form, Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), bilateral facial palsy with paraesthesia, pure motor, pure sensory, paraparetic, pharyngeal–cervical–brachial variants, polyneuritis cranialis (GBS–MFS overlap), and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis [57–60].
T24 3166-3350 Sentence denotes As regard electrophysiological features, three main subtypes are recognized: AIDP, acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) [57, 58, 61].
T25 3351-3551 Sentence denotes Peripheral nerve damage is thought to be provoked by an aberrant immune response to infections, in some cases driven by the production of autoreactive antibodies (anti-ganglioside antibodies) [57–59].
T26 3552-3790 Sentence denotes Potential triggering pathogens include both viruses [e.g., cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), influenza virus, hepatitis E virus, and Zika virus] and bacteria (e.g., Campylobacter Jejuni, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae) [57, 58, 62].
T27 3791-3953 Sentence denotes However, a relationship with other events has been also described (e.g., vaccinations, surgery, administration of checkpoint inhibitors, and malignancy) [57, 58].
T28 3954-4185 Sentence denotes Given that a potential causal association with beta-coronaviruses [Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)] has already been speculated, the relationship between COVID-19 and GBS deserves undoubtedly further attention [63, 64].
T29 4186-4472 Sentence denotes With this background, our systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of all case reports and series of COVID-19-related GBS to identify predominant clinical, laboratory, and neurophysiological patterns and to discuss the possible underlying pathophysiology.
T30 4474-4481 Sentence denotes Methods
T31 4482-4607 Sentence denotes We performed a systematic review according to the SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis) analytic framework [65].
T32 4608-4780 Sentence denotes We screened in PubMed and Google Scholar databases for all case descriptions of GBS associated with COVID-19 that were published from January 1st 2020 up to July 20th 2020.
T33 4781-5395 Sentence denotes Keywords (including all commonly used abbreviations of these terms) used in the search strategy were as follows: [“acute autoimmune neuropathy” OR “acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy” OR “acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy,” OR “acute inflammatory polyneuropathy” OR “Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy” OR “Guillain–Barre Syndrome” OR “Guillain–Barre” OR ““Miller–Fisher” OR “Bickerstaff encephalitis” OR “AIDP” OR “AMAN” OR “AMSAN” OR polyneuritis cranialis] AND [“COVID-19” OR “Wuhan coronavirus” OR “novel coronavirus” OR “novel coronavirus 2019” OR “SARS” OR “SARS-CoV-2”].
T34 5396-5494 Sentence denotes Suitable references were also identified in the authors’ archives of scientific literature on GBS.
T35 5495-5573 Sentence denotes We restricted our search to studies published in English, Spanish, or Italian.
T36 5574-5645 Sentence denotes Publications that were not peer-reviewed were excluded from this study.
T37 5646-5675 Sentence denotes PRISMA criteria were applied.
T38 5676-5806 Sentence denotes For each case, we extracted data concerning demographic and clinical variables, results of diagnostic investigations, and outcome.
T39 5807-5981 Sentence denotes If the GBS clinical variant [57] or the electrophysiological subtype [61] was not explicitly reported in the paper, we reconstructed it, when possible, from reported details.
T40 5982-6079 Sentence denotes We also classified the diagnostic certainty of all cases according to the Brighton Criteria [66].
T41 6080-6123 Sentence denotes Searches were performed by SAR, AA, and MF.
T42 6124-6187 Sentence denotes The selection of relevant articles was shared with all authors.
T43 6188-6276 Sentence denotes For statistical analysis, we used IBM SPSS Statistics version 21 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA).
T44 6277-6419 Sentence denotes Based on the distribution of values, continuous data were expressed as mean ±  standard deviation or as  median and interquartile range (IQR).
T45 6420-6595 Sentence denotes Depending on the number of groups and data distribution, we applied the t test, the Mann–Whitney U test or the Kruskal–Wallis test (followed by Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc test).
T46 6596-6657 Sentence denotes All reported p values were adjusted for multiple comparisons.
T47 6658-6782 Sentence denotes We adopted the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.
T48 6783-6952 Sentence denotes For the present study, no authorization to an Ethics Committee was asked, because the original reports, nor this work, provided any personal information of the patients.
T49 6954-6961 Sentence denotes Results
T50 6962-7158 Sentence denotes Our literature search identified 101 papers, including 37 case reports, 12 case series, 3 reviews with case reports, 42 reviews, 4 letters, 1 original article, 1 point of view, and 1 brief report.
T51 7159-7398 Sentence denotes Four and one patients were excluded from the analysis because of a missing laboratory-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection or an ambiguous GBS diagnosis [disease course resembling chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP)], respectively.
T52 7399-7486 Sentence denotes A total of 52 studies were included in the final analysis (total patients = 73) [5–56].
T53 7487-7553 Sentence denotes All data concerning the analyzed patients are reported in Table 1.
T54 7554-7689 Sentence denotes For one case [20], most clinical and diagnostic details were not reported; therefore, many of our analyses were limited to 72 patients.
T55 7691-7767 Sentence denotes Epidemiological distribution and demographic characteristics of the patients
T56 7768-7847 Sentence denotes To date, GBS cases (n = 73) were reported from all continents except Australia.
T57 7848-8222 Sentence denotes In details, patients were originally from Italy (n = 20), Iran (n = 10), Spain (n = 9), USA (n = 8), United Kingdom (n = 5), France (n = 4), Switzerland (n = 4), Germany (n = 3), Austria (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), China (n = 1), India (n = 1), Morocco (n = 1), Saudi Arabia (n = 1), Sudan (n = 1), The Netherlands (n = 1), and Turkey (n = 1) (Table 1, Fig. 1).
T58 8223-8328 Sentence denotes The mean age at onset was 55 ± 17 years (min 11–max 94), including four pediatric cases [21, 27, 35, 41].
T59 8329-8410 Sentence denotes A significative prevalence of men compared to women was noticed (50 vs. 23 cases:
T60 8411-8503 Sentence denotes 68.5% vs. 31.5%) with no significant difference in age at onset between men and women (mean:
T61 8504-8542 Sentence denotes 55 ± 18 vs. 56 ± 16 years, p = 0.643).
T62 8543-8623 Sentence denotes Comorbidities were variably reported with no prevalence of a particular disease.
T63 8624-8784 Sentence denotes Fig. 1 Temporal and spatial distribution of reported cases with COVID-19-associated Guillain–Barré syndrome in literature from 1st January until 20th July 2020.
T64 8785-8835 Sentence denotes The x-axis shows the number of described patients.
T65 8836-8901 Sentence denotes The y-axis illustrates the countries of provenience of the cases.
T66 8902-9045 Sentence denotes In each line, different colours represent the months of April, May, June, and July (* until 20th July) 2020, in which the cases were published.
T67 9046-9110 Sentence denotes Abbreviations: UK, United Kingdom, USA, United States of America
T68 9112-9164 Sentence denotes Clinical picture, diagnosis, and therapy of COVID-19
T69 9165-9260 Sentence denotes All reported GBS cases (n = 72) except two were symptomatic for COVID-19 with various severity.
T70 9261-9482 Sentence denotes Most common manifestations of COVID-19 included fever (73.6%, 53/72), cough (72.2%, 52/72), dyspnea and/or pneumonia (63.8%, 46/72), hypo-/ageusia (22.2%, 16/72), hypo-/anosmia (20.8%, 15/72), and diarrhea (18.1%, 13/72).
T71 9483-9682 Sentence denotes One of the two asymptomatic subjects never developed fever, respiratory symptoms, or pneumonia [10], whereas the other patient showed an asymptomatic pneumonia at chest computed tomography (CT) [12].
T72 9683-9859 Sentence denotes In all but six patients with available data [22, 24, 36, 44, 45, 52], SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR with naso- or oropharyngeal swab or fecal exam was positive at first or following tests.
T73 9860-9932 Sentence denotes Nevertheless, these six patients tested positive at SARS-CoV-2 serology.
T74 9933-10030 Sentence denotes In four patients, the laboratory exam for the diagnostic confirmation was not specified [20, 40].
T75 10031-10217 Sentence denotes Typical “ground glass” aspects at chest-CT or similar findings at CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or X-ray compatible with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia were reported in 40 cases.
T76 10218-10279 Sentence denotes The detailed therapies for COVID-19 are described in Table 1.
T77 10281-10314 Sentence denotes Clinical features of GBS spectrum
T78 10315-10434 Sentence denotes In all (n = 72) but four patients [10, 37, 40, 56], GBS manifestations developed after those of COVID-19 [median (IQR):
T79 10435-10465 Sentence denotes 14 (7–20), min 2–max 33 days].
T80 10466-10644 Sentence denotes Differently, COVID-19 symptoms began concurrent in one case [37], 1 day [40] and 8 days [55] after GBS onset in two other cases and never developed in another one [10] (Table 1).
T81 10645-10812 Sentence denotes Common clinical manifestations at onset included sensory symptoms (72.2%, 52/72) alone or in combination with paraparesis or tetraparesis (65.2%, 47/72, respectively).
T82 10813-10927 Sentence denotes Cranial nerve involvement (e.g., facial, oculomotor nerves) was less frequently described at onset (16.7%, 12/72).
T83 10928-11108 Sentence denotes Moreover, all cases but one [26] showed lower limbs or generalized areflexia, whereas in 37.5% (27/72) of the cases, gait ataxia was reported at onset or during the disease course.
T84 11109-11428 Sentence denotes Even if ascending weakness evolving into flaccid tetraparesis (76.4%, 55/72) and spreading/persistence of sensory symptoms (84.7%, 61/72) represented the most common clinical evolutions, 50.0% (36/72) and 23.6% (17/72) patients showed cranial nerve deficits and dysphagia, respectively, during disease course (Table 1).
T85 11429-11559 Sentence denotes Moreover, 36.1% (26/72) of the patients developed respiratory symptoms, and some of them evolved to respiratory failure (Table 1).
T86 11560-11619 Sentence denotes Autonomic disturbances were rarely reported (16.7%, 12/72).
T87 11620-11804 Sentence denotes In cases with MFS/MFS-GBS overlap, areflexia, oculomotor disturbances, and ataxia were present in 100% (9/9), 66.7% (6/9) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively [8, 19, 23, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44].
T88 11805-11923 Sentence denotes The median of time to nadir was calculated in 40 patients with available data and resulted 4 days (IQR 3–9) (Table 1).
T89 11925-12007 Sentence denotes Results of electrophysiological, CSF, biochemical, and neuroimaging investigations
T90 12008-12088 Sentence denotes Detailed electroneurography results were reported in 84.9% (62/73) of the cases.
T91 12089-12195 Sentence denotes Specifically, 77.4% (48/62) cases showed a pattern compatible with a demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
T92 12196-12253 Sentence denotes In contrast, axonal damage was prominent in 14.5% (9/62).
T93 12254-12328 Sentence denotes In a minority of the patients (8.1%), a mixed pattern was reported (5/62).
T94 12329-12588 Sentence denotes Regarding CSF analysis (full results were available in 59 out of 73 cases), the classical albuminocytological dissociation (cell count < 5/µl with elevated CSF proteins) was detected in 71.2% of the cases (42/59) with a median CSF protein of 100.0 mg/dl (min:
T95 12589-12597 Sentence denotes 49, max:
T96 12598-12609 Sentence denotes 317 mg/dl).
T97 12610-12723 Sentence denotes Mild pleocytosis (i.e., cell count ≥ 5/µl), with a maximum cell count of 13/µl, was evident in 5/59 cases (8.5%).
T98 12724-12815 Sentence denotes Furthermore, CSF SARS-CoV-2 RNA was undetectable in all tested patients (n = 31) (Table 1).
T99 12816-13221 Sentence denotes Detailed blood haematological and biochemical examinations showed variably leucocytosis (n = 4), leucopenia (n = 17), thrombocytosis (n = 3), thrombocytopenia (n = 5), and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 22), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (n = 4), d-Dimer (n = 5), fibrinogen (n = 3), ferritin (n = 3), LDH (n = 7), IL-6 (n = 4), IL-1 (n = 3), IL-8 (n = 3), and TNF-α (n = 3) (Table 1).
T100 13222-13463 Sentence denotes Furthermore, anti-GD1b and anti-GM1 antibodies were positive in one patient with MFS [23] and in one with classic sensorimotor GBS [13], respectively, whereas 33 cases tested negative (one in equivocal range) for anti-ganglioside antibodies.
T101 13464-13553 Sentence denotes Cranial and spinal MRI scans were performed in a minority of the patients (23/73, 31.5%).
T102 13554-13788 Sentence denotes Five patients (three cases with AIDP [9, 12, 25], one case with MFS [30], and one case with bilateral facial palsy with paresthesia [52]) showed cranial nerve contrast enhancement in the context of correspondent cranial nerve palsies.
T103 13789-13928 Sentence denotes Moreover, brainstem leptomeningeal enhancement was described in two cases with AIDP, both with clinical cranial nerve involvement [18, 46].
T104 13929-14096 Sentence denotes On the other hand, spinal nerve roots and leptomeningeal enhancement were reported in eight [9, 27, 31, 36, 37, 42, 52] and two cases [17, 46], respectively (Table 1).
T105 14098-14177 Sentence denotes Distribution of clinical and electrophysiological variants and diagnosis of GBS
T106 14178-14531 Sentence denotes From the clinical point of view, most examined patients presented with a classic sensorimotor variant (70.0%, 51/73), whereas Miller Fisher syndrome, GBS/MFS overlap variants (including polyneuritis cranialis), bilateral facial palsy with paresthesia, pure motor, and paraparetic were described in seven, two, five, four, and one patients, respectively.
T107 14532-14626 Sentence denotes In three cases, no clinical variant could be established using the reported details (Table 1).
T108 14627-14786 Sentence denotes In the examined population, 81.8% subjects fulfilled electrophysiological criteria for AIDP (45/55), 12.7% (7/55) for AMSAN, and 5.4% (3/55) for AMAN subtypes.
T109 14787-14912 Sentence denotes Finally, a specific electrophysiological subtype was not attributable in 18 patients due to the lack of detailed information.
T110 14913-15190 Sentence denotes The diagnosis of GBS was established based on clinical, CSF, and electrophysiological findings in 44/73 (60.3%) patients, clinical, and electrophysiological data in 18/73 (24.7%) cases, clinical, and CSF data in 8/73 (11.0%), and only clinical findings in 3/73 (4.1%) patients.
T111 15191-15290 Sentence denotes Indeed, the highest level of diagnostic certainty (level one) was confirmed in 44/73 cases (60.3%).
T112 15291-15388 Sentence denotes Level two and three were obtained in 24/73 cases (32.9%) and 5/73 (6.8%), respectively (Table 1).
T113 15390-15428 Sentence denotes Management of GBS and patient outcomes
T114 15429-15585 Sentence denotes All cases with available therapy data (n = 70) except ten [13, 15, 23, 25, 26, 33, 35–37, 41] were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (Table 1).
T115 15586-15718 Sentence denotes Conversely, plasma exchange and steroid therapy were performed in ten (four of them received also IVIG) and two cases, respectively.
T116 15719-15757 Sentence denotes In two patients, no therapy was given.
T117 15758-15905 Sentence denotes Mechanical or non-invasive ventilation was implemented in 21.4% (15/70) and 7.1% (5/70) patients due to worsening of GBS or COVID-19, respectively.
T118 15906-16158 Sentence denotes At further observation (n = 68), 72.1% (49/68) patients demonstrated clinical improvement with partial or complete remission, 10.3% (7/68) cases showed no improvement, 11.8% (8/68) still required critical care treatment, and 5.8% (4/68) died (Table 1).
T119 16159-16262 Sentence denotes Table 1 Summary of clinical findings, results of diagnostic investigations, and outcome in 73 GBS cases
T120 16263-16413 Sentence denotes Article Country Age Sex GBS clinical picture COVID-19 clinical picture Previous comorbidities GBS diagnosis Level of diagnostic certaintyb GBS variant
T121 16414-16546 Sentence denotes Days between COVID-19 symptoms and GBS onset Onset Disease course Autonomic disturbances Respiratory symptoms/failure Time to Nadira
T122 16547-16902 Sentence denotes Agosti et al. [5] Italy 68 M 5 days after LL weakness Bilateral facial palsy, progressive symmetric ascending flaccid tetraparesis, achilles tendon areflexia NA No NA Dry cough associated with fever, dysgeusia, and hyposmia Dyslipidemia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, hypertension, abdominal aortic aneurysm Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Pure motor
T123 16903-17361 Sentence denotes Alberti et al. [6] Italy 71 M 4 days after (no resolution of pneumonia) LL paraesthesia Ascendant weakness, flaccid tetraparesis, hypoesthesia and paraesthesia in the 4 limbs, generalized areflexia, dyspnea None Yes (concurrent pneumonia) 4 days after symptoms onset (24 h after the admission) Fever (low grade), dyspnea, pneumonia Hypertension, treated abdominal aortic aneurysm, treated lung cancer Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T124 17362-17760 Sentence denotes Arnaud et al. [7] France 64 M 23 days after Fast progressive LL weakness Generalized areflexia, severe flaccid proximal paraparesis, decreased proprioceptive length-dependent sensitivity and LL pinprick and light touch hypoesthesia None No 4 days after symptoms onset Fever, cough, diarrhea, dyspnea, severe interstitial pneumonia DM type 2 Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T125 17761-18166 Sentence denotes Assini et al. [8] Italy 55 M 20 days after Bilateral eyelid ptosis, dysphagia, dysphonia Masseter weakness, tongue protusion (bilateral hypoglossal nerve paralysis), UL and LL hyporeflexia without muscle weakness, soft palate elevation defect None Yes (concurrent pneumonia) NA Fever, anosmia, ageusia, cough, pneumonia NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor overlapping with Miller-Fisher
T126 18167-18514 Sentence denotes Assini et al. [8] Italy 60 M 20 days after Distal tetraparesis with right foot drop, autonomic disturbances UL and LL distal weakness, right foot drop, generalized areflexia Gastroplegia, paralytic ileus, loss of blood pressure control Yes (concurrent pneumonia) NA Fever, severe interstitial pneumonia NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Pure motor
T127 18515-18930 Sentence denotes Bigaut et al. [9] France 43 M 21 days after UL and LL paraesthesia, distal LL weakness Extension to midthigh and tips of the finger with ataxia, right peripheral facial nerve palsy, generalized areflexia None No 2 days after symptoms onset Cough, asthenia, myalgia in legs, followed by acute anosmia and ageusia with diarrhea, mild interstitial pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T128 18931-19268 Sentence denotes Bigaut et al. [9] France 70 F 10 days after Acute proximal tetraparesis, distal forelimb and perioral paraesthesia Respiratory weakness, loss of ambulation None Yes 3 days after symptoms onset Anosmia, ageusia, diarrhea, asthenia, myalgia, moderate interstitial pneumonia Obesity Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T129 19269-19586 Sentence denotes Bracaglia et al. [10] Italy 66 F Unknown (due to asymptomatic infection) Acute proximal and distal tetraparesis, lumbar pain and distal tingling sensation Loss of ambulation, difficulty in speeching and swallowing, generalized areflexia None No NA Asymptomatic None Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T130 19587-19872 Sentence denotes Camdessanche et al. [11] France 64 M 11 days after UL and LL paraesthesia Ascendent weakness, flaccid tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, dysphagia None Yes 3 days after symptoms onset Fever (high grade), cough, pneumonia None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T131 19873-20139 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [12] Canada 58 M 20 days after home isolation for suspected contact Bilateral facial weakness, dysarthria, feet paraesthesia, LL areflexia NA None No NA Asymptomatic, interstitial pneumonia None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Bilateral facial palsy
T132 20140-20157 Sentence denotes with paraesthesia
T133 20158-20594 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [13] USA 68 M 18 days after Gait disturbance, hands and feet paraesthesia LL proximal weakness, absent vibratory and proprioceptive sense at the toes, UL hyporeflexia, LL areflexia, unsteady gait with inability to toe or heel walk, bilateral facial weakness, dysphagia, dysarthria, neck flexion weakness None No 8 days after the onset of symptoms Fever and upper respiratory symptoms NA Clinical + CSF 2 Classic sensorimotor
T134 20595-20908 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [13] USA 84 M 16 days after Hands and feet paraesthesia, progressive gait disturbance Bilateral facial weakness, progressive arm weakness, neuromuscular respiratory failure Yes (not specified autonomic dysfunction) Yes 25 days after the onset of symptoms Fever NA Clinical + CSF 2 Classic sensorimotor
T135 20909-21146 Sentence denotes Coen et al. [14] Switzerland 70 M 6 days after Paraparesis, distal allodynia Generalized areflexia Difficulties in voiding and constipation No NA Dry cough, myalgia, fatigue None Clinical + CSF + 0electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T136 21147-21567 Sentence denotes Ebrahimzadeh et al. [15] Iran 46 M 18 days after Pain and numbness in distal LL and UL extremities, ascending weakness in legs Mild peripheral right facial nerve palsy, generalized areflexia None No 7 days after symptoms onset Low-grade fever, sore thorat, dry cough and mild dyspnea, bilateral interstitial pneumonia (concurrent with neurological symptoms) None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T137 21568-21975 Sentence denotes Ebrahimzadeh et al. [15] Iran 65 M 10 days after Progressive ascending LL and UL extremities weakness and paraesthesia Proximal and distal UL and LL weakness, UL hyporeflexia and LL areflexia None No 14 days after symptoms onset History of COVID-19 (symptoms not specified), fine crackles in both lungs (concurrent with neurological symptoms) Hypertension Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T138 21976-22255 Sentence denotes El Otmani et al. [16] Morocco 70 F 3 days after Weakness and paraesthesia in the 4 limbs Tetraparesis, hypotonia, generalized areflexia, bilateral positive Lasègue sign None No NA Dry cough, pneumonia Rheumatoid arthritis Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T139 22256-22638 Sentence denotes Esteban Molina et al. [17] Spain 55 F 14 days after Paraesthesia and weakness in the 4 limbs Lumbar pain, dysphagia, tetraplegia, general areflexia, bilateral facial palsy, lingual and perioral paraesthesia None Yes 3 days after symptoms onset (48 h after the admission) Fever, dry cough and dyspnoea, pneumonia Dyslipidemia Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T140 22639-22966 Sentence denotes Farzi et al. [18] Iran 41 M 10 days after Paraesthesia of the feet Tetraparesis, areflexia at the LL and hyporeflexia at the UL, stocking-and-glove hypesthesia and reduced sense of vibration and position None No 7 days after symptoms onset Cough, dyspnea and fever DM type II Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T141 22967-23193 Sentence denotes Fernández–Domínguez et al. [19] Spain 74 F 15 days after Gait ataxia and generalized areflexia NA NA No NA Respiratory symptoms (not further detailed) Hypertension and follicular lymphoma Clinical + CSF 2 Miller Fisher variant
T142 23194-23294 Sentence denotes Finsterer et al. [20] India 20 M 5 days after NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 NA
T143 23295-23509 Sentence denotes Frank et al. [21] Brazil 15 M > 5 days after Paraparesis, pain in the LL Rapidly progressive ascending tetraparesis, areflexia NA No NA Fever, intense sweating NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T144 23510-23638 Sentence denotes Gigli et al. [22] Italy 53 M NA Paraesthesia, gait ataxia NA NA NA NA Fever, diarrhea NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 NA
T145 23639-23981 Sentence denotes Gutiérrez-Ortiz et al. [23] Spain 50 M 3 days after Vertical diplopia, perioral paraesthesia, gait ataxia Right internuclear ophthalmoparesis and right fascicular oculomotor palsy, ataxia, generalized areflexia None No NA Fever, cough, malaise, headache, low back pain, anosmia, ageusia Bronchial asthma Clinical + CSF 2 Miller Fisher variant
T146 23982-24203 Sentence denotes Gutiérrez-Ortiz et al. [23] Spain 39 M 3 days after Diplopia (bilateral abducens palsy) Generalized areflexia None No NA Diarrhea, low-grade fever None Clinical + CSF 2 Polyneuritis cranialis (GBS–Miller Fisher Interface)
T147 24204-24508 Sentence denotes Helbok et al. [24] Austria 68 M 14 days after Hypoaesthesia and paraesthesia in the LL, proximal weakness, areflexia, stand ataxia Ascending weakness, flaccid tetraparesis, generalized areflexia NA Yes 2 days after symptoms onset (24 h after the admission) Fever, dry cough, myalgia, anosmia and ageusia.
T148 24509-24571 Sentence denotes None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T149 24572-24970 Sentence denotes Hutchins et al. [25] USA 21 M 16 days after Right-sided facial numbness and weakness Bilateral facial palsy, severe dysarthria, bilateral LL weakness , bilateral UL paraesthesia, areflexia NA No 3 days after symptoms onset Fever, cough, dyspnoea, diarrhea, nausea, headache Hypertension, prediabetes, and class I obesity Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Bilateral facial palsy with paraesthesia
T150 24971-25169 Sentence denotes Juliao Caamaño et al. [26] Spain 61 M 10 days after Facial diplegia No progression None No 1 day after symptoms onset Fever and cough None Clinical + electrophysiology 3 Bilateral facial nerve palsy
T151 25170-25411 Sentence denotes Khalifa et al. [27] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 11 M 20 days after Gait ataxia, areflexia and paraesthesia in the LL Gradual motor improvement, persistent hyporeflexia NA No NA Acute upper respiratory tract infection, low-grade fever, dry cough.
T152 25412-25472 Sentence denotes NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T153 25473-25786 Sentence denotes Kilinc et al. [28] The Netherlands 50 M 24 days after Facial diplegia, symmetrical proximal weakness, paraesthesia of distal extremities, gait ataxia, areflexia Progression of limb weakness and inability to walk NA No 11 days after symptoms onset Dry cough None Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T154 25787-26091 Sentence denotes Lampe et al. [29] Germany 65 M 2 days after Acute right UL and LL weakness causing recurrent falls Right UL paresis, slight paraparesis more pronounced on the right side, generalized hyporeflexia None No 3 days after symptoms onset Fever and dry cough None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Pure motor
T155 26092-26399 Sentence denotes Lantos et al. [30] USA 36 M 4 days after Opthalmoparesisa and hypoesthesia below knee Progressive ophthalmoparesis (including initial left III cranial nerve and eventual bilateral VI cranial nerve palsies), ataxia, and hyporeflexia None No NA Fever, chills, and myalgia None Clinical 3 Miller Fisher variant
T156 26400-26785 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] Switzerland 52 F 15 days after (no resolution of pneumonia) Back pain, diarrhea, rapidly progressive tetraparesis, distal paraesthesia Worsening of proximal weakness (tetraplegia), generalized areflexia, ataxia Constipation, abdominal pain Yes 4 days after symptoms onset Dry cough, dysgeusia, cacosmia None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T157 26786-27155 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] Switzerland 63 F 7 days after (no resolution of pneumonia) Limb weakness, pain on the left calf Moderate tetraparesis, LL and left UL areflexia, distal hypoesthesia and paraesthesia None No 5 days after symptoms onset Dry cough, shivering, breathing difficulties, chest pain, odynophagia DM type 2 Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T158 27156-27623 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] Switzerland 61 F 22 days after LL weakness, dizziness, dysphagia Moderate tetraparesis, bilateral facial palsy, lower limb allodynia, severe hypopallesthesia, areflexia (except for bicipital tendon reflexes) None Yes 4 days after symptoms onset Productive cough, headaches, fever, myalgia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, recurrent episodes of transient loss of consciousness None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T159 27624-28015 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [32] Italy 50 F 16 days after Diplopia and facial paraesthesia Ataxia, diplopia in vertical and lateral gaze, left upper arm dysmetria, generalized areflexia, mild lower facial defects, and mild hypoesthesia in the left mandibular and maxillary branch None Yes (concurrent pneumonia) NA Fever, cough, ageusia, bilateral pneumonia None Clinical + CSF 2 Miller Fisher variant
T160 28016-28270 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] Italy 72 M 18 days after Tetraparesis UL > LL, LL paraesthesia , generalized areflexia, facial weakness on the right side NA NA No NA Fever, dyspnea, hyposmia and ageusia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T161 28271-28482 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] Italy 72 M 30 days after Tetraparesis LL > UL, paraesthesia, global areflexia NA NA No NA Fever, cough, dyspnea, hyposmia and ageusia NA Clinical + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T162 28483-28748 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] Italy 49 F 14 days after Ophthalmoplegia, limb ataxia, generalized areflexia, diplopia, facial hypoesthesia, facial weakness NA NA No NA Fever, cough, dyspnea, hyposmia and ageusia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Miller Fisher variant
T163 28749-28941 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] Italy 94 M 33 days after LL weakness, generalized hyporeflexia NA NA No NA Fever, cough, gastrointestinal symptoms NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T164 28942-29175 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] Italy 76 M 22 days after Quadriparesis UL > LL, generalized areflexia, facial weakness, transient diplopia NA NA No NA Fever, cough, dysuria, hyposmia, ageusia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Pure motor
T165 29176-29462 Sentence denotes Marta-Enguita et al. [34] Spain 76 F 8 days after Back pain and progressive tetraparesis with distal-onset paraesthesia Progressive with dysphagia and cranial nerves involvement, generalized areflexia NA Yes 10 days after symptom onset Cough and fever without dyspnea None Clinical 3 NA
T166 29463-29820 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] Iran 38 M 16 days after Progressive LL paraesthesia, facial diplegia, lobal areflexia Mild LL weakness , bulbar symptoms developed Blood pressure instability, tachycardia No 8 days after symptoms onset Upper respiratory infection (no further details) NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Bilateral facial palsy with paraesthesia
T167 29821-30045 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] Iran 14 F NA Ascending quadriparesis, UL hyporeflexia, LL areflexia, distal hypoesthesia, ataxia NA NA No NA Upper respiratory infection (no further details) NA Clinical + CSF 2 Classic sensorimotor
T168 30046-30292 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] Iran 44 F 26 days after Weakness of LL Tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, symmetrical hypoesthesia NA Yes NA Dry cough, fever, myalgia, progressive dyspnea COPD Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T169 30293-30568 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] Iran 66 F 30 days after Progressive UL and LL weakness, generalized areflexia, symmetrical hypoesthesia NA No No NA Fever, dry cough, severe myalgia DM, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T170 30569-31027 Sentence denotes Naddaf et al. [36] USA 58 F 17 days after Progressive paraparesis, imbalance, severe lower thoracic pain without radiation Mild neck flexion weakness, mild/moderate distal UL  and proximal and distal LL  weakness, UL hyporeflexia, LL areflexia, moderately severe length-dependent sensory loss in the feet, ataxic gait None No NA Fever, dysgeusia without anosmia, bilateral interstitial pneumonia None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T171 31028-31263 Sentence denotes Oguz-Akarsu et al. [37] Turkey 53 F Concurrent pneumonia Dysarthria, progressive LL weakness and numbness Ataxia, generalized areflexia None No NA Mild fever (37.5 °C), pneumonia None Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T172 31264-31617 Sentence denotes Ottaviani et al. [38] Italy 66 F 7 days after (concurrent pneumonia) Flaccid paraparesis, no sensory symptoms Progressively developed proximal weakness in all limbs, dysesthesia, and unilateral facial palsy, generalized areflexia NA Yes 13 days after symptoms onset Fever and cough, pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T173 31618-31908 Sentence denotes Padroni et al. [39] Italy 70 F 23 days after UL and LL paraesthesia, gait difficulties, asthenia Ascendant weakness, tetraparesis, generalized areflexia None Yes 6 days after symptoms onset Fever (38.5 °C), dry cough, pneumonia None Clinical + CSF + Electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T174 31909-32183 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] UK 42 M 13 day after Distal limb numbness and weakness, dysphagia Tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, sensory loss NA Yes 16 days after symptom onset Cough, fever dyspnea, diarrhea, anosmia None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T175 32184-32474 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] UK 60 M 1 day before Distal limb numbness and weakness Tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, sensory loss, dysautonomia, facial and bulbar weakness Yes Yes 5 days after symptom onset Headache, ageusia, anosmia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T176 32475-32684 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] UK 38 M 21 day after Distal limb numbness, weakness, clumsiness Mild distal weakness, sensory ataxia None No NA Cough, diarrhea NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T177 32685-33134 Sentence denotes Paybast et al. [41] Iran 38 M 21 days after Acute progressive ascending paraesthesia of distal LL Quadriparesthesia, bilateral facial droop with drooling of saliva and slurred speech, generalized areflexia, swallowing inability, bilaterally absent gag reflex Tachycardia and blood pressure instability No 3 days after symptoms onset Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection Hypertension Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T178 33135-33574 Sentence denotes Paybast et al. [41] Iran 14 F 21 days after Progressive ascending quadriparesthesia, mild LL weakness Mild proximal and distal LL weakness, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes in UL and absent in LL, decreased light touch, position, and vibration sensation in all distal limbs up to ankle and elbow joints, gait ataxia None No 2 days after symptoms onset Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection None Clinical + CSF 2 Classic sensorimotor
T179 33575-34041 Sentence denotes Pfefferkorn et al. [42] Germany 51 M 14 days after UL and LL weakness, acral paraesthesia Tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, deterioration to an almost complete peripheral locked-in syndrome with tetraplegia, complete sensory loss at 4 limbs, bilateral facial and hypoglossal paresis None Yes 15 days after symptoms onset Fluctuating fever, flu-like symptoms with marked fatigue and dry cough, pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T180 34042-34409 Sentence denotes Rana et al. [43] USA 54 M 14 days after LL paresthesias of LL Ascending tetraparesis, general areflexia, burning sensation diplopia, facial diplegia, mild ophthalmoparesis Resting tachycardia and urinary retention Yes NA Rhinorrhea, odynophagia, fever, chills, and night sweats Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, restless leg syndrome, and chronic back pain, concurrent C.
T181 34410-34482 Sentence denotes Difficile infection Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Miller Fisher variant
T182 34483-34844 Sentence denotes Reyes-Bueno et al. [44] Spain 50 F 15 days after Root-type pain in all four limbs, dorsal and lumbar back pain LL Weakness, ataxia, diplopia, bilateral facial palsy, generalized areflexia Dry mouth, diarrhea and unstable blood pressure No 12 days after symptoms onset Diarrhea, odynophagia and cough NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Miller Fisher variant
T183 34845-35190 Sentence denotes Riva et al. [45] Italy 60+ M 17 days after Progressive limb weakness and distal paresthesia at four limbs Ascending paraparesis with involvement of the cranial nerves (facial diplegia), generalized areflexia None No 10 days after symptoms onset Fever, headache, myalgia, anosmia and ageusia NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T184 35191-35562 Sentence denotes Sancho-Saldaña et al. [46] Spain 56 F 15 days after Unsteadiness and paraesthesia in both hands Lumbar pain and ascending weakness, global areflexia, bilateral facial nerve palsy, oropharyngeal weakness and severe proximal tetraparesis No Yes 3 days after symptoms onset Fever, dry cough and dyspnea, pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T185 35563-35876 Sentence denotes Scheidl et al. [47] Germany 54 F 11 days after Proximal weakness of LL, numbness of 4 limbs Initial worsening of the paraparesis with rapid improvement upon initiation of the treatment, areflexia None No 12 days after symptoms onset Temporary ageusia, None Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Paraparetic variant
T186 35877-36209 Sentence denotes Sedaghat et al. [48] Iran 65 M 14 days after LL distal weakness Ascending weakness, tetraparesis, facial bilateral palsy, generalized areflexia, LL distal hypoesthesia and hypopallesthesia None No 4 days after symptoms onset Fever, cough and sometimes dyspnea, pneumonia DM type 2 Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T187 36210-36605 Sentence denotes Sidig et al. [49] Sudan 65 M 5 days after Numbness and weakness in both UL and LL Ascending weakness, bilateral facial paraesthesia and palsy, clumsiness of UL, tetraparesis, slight palatal muscle weakness, areflexia Urinary incontinence Yes NA Low-grade fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache and generalized fatigability DM and Hypertension Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T188 36606-37014 Sentence denotes Su et al. [50] USA 72 M 6 days after Proximal UL and LL weakness Progression with worsening of the paresis, areflexia, hypoesthesia Hypotension alternating with hypertension and tachycardia Yes 8 days after symptoms onset Mild diarrhea, anorexia and chills without fever or respiratory symptoms Coronary artery disease, hypertension and alcohol abuse Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T189 37015-37365 Sentence denotes Tiet et al. [51] United Kingdom 49 M 21 days after Distal LL paraesthesia LL and UL weakness, facial diplegia, distal reduced sensation to pinprick and vibration sense, LL dysesthesia, generalized areflexia None No 4 days after symptoms onset Shortness of breath, headache and cough Sinusitis Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T190 37366-37696 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Italy 77 F 7 days after UL and LL paraesthesia Flaccid tetraplegia, areflexia, facial weakness, dysphagie, tongue weakness None Yes NA Fever, cough, ageusia, pneumonia Previous ischemic stroke, diverticulosis, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T191 37697-37948 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Italy 23 M 10 days after Facial diplegia LL paraesthesia, generalized areflexia, sensory ataxia None No 2 days after symptoms onset Fever, pharyngitis NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Bilateral facial palsy with paraesthesia
T192 37949-38191 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Italy 55 M 10 days after Neck pain, Paresthesias in the 4 limbs, LL weakness Flaccid tetraparesis, areflexia, facial weakness None Yes NA Fever, cough, pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T193 38192-38386 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Italy 76 M 5 days after Lumbar pain, LL weakness Flaccid tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, ataxia None No 4 days after symptoms onset Cough and hyposmia NA Clinical + CSF+
T194 38387-38427 Sentence denotes Electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T195 38428-38681 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Italy 61 M 7 days after LL weakness and paraesthesia Ascending weakness, tetraplegia, facial weakness, areflexia, dysphagia None Yes NA Cough, ageusia and anosmia, pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF+ electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T196 38682-38985 Sentence denotes Velayos Galán et al. [53] Spain 43 M 10 days after Distal weakness and numbness of the 4 limbs, gait ataxia Progression of the weakness with bilateral facial paresis and dysphagia, generalized areflexia NA No 2 days after admission Cough, pneumonia NA Clinical + electrophysiology 2 Classic sensorimotor
T197 38986-39321 Sentence denotes Virani et al. [54] USA 54 M 8 days after LL weakness, numbness Ascending weakness, tetraparesis, areflexia Urinary retention Yes Shortly after presentation in the outpatient clinic (after 2 days of symptoms onset) Fever (102 F), dry cough, pneumonia Clostridium difficile colitis 2 days before GBS onset Clinical 3 Classic sensorimotor
T198 39322-39738 Sentence denotes Webb et al. [55] United Kingdom 57 6 days after Ataxia, progressive limb weakness and foot dysaesthesia, Tetraparesis, generalized areflexia, hypoesthesia in the 4 limbs, hypopallesthesia in LL, dysphagia None Yes 3 days after symptoms onset Mild cough and headache, myalgia and malaise, slight fever, diarrhea, pneumonia Untreated hypertension and psoriasis Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T199 39739-39994 Sentence denotes Zhao et al. [56] China 61 F 8 days before LL weakness Ascending weakness, tetraparesis, areflexia, LL distal hypoesthesia None No 4 days after symptoms onset Fever (38·2 °C), dry cough pneumonia NA Clinical + CSF + electrophysiology 1 Classic sensorimotor
T200 39995-40125 Sentence denotes Article COVID-19 diagnosis Blood findings Auto-antibodies and screening for most common GBS causes CSF findings Electrophysiology:
T201 40126-40230 Sentence denotes Neuropathy type and GBS electrophysiologic subtype MRI (brain and spinal) Management and therapy Outcome
T202 40231-40243 Sentence denotes GBS COVID-19
T203 40244-40328 Sentence denotes Agosti et al. [5] RT-PCR + chest CT Thrombocytopenia (101 × 109 /L, reference value:
T204 40329-40396 Sentence denotes 125–300 × 109 /L), lymphocytopenia (0.48 × 109 /L, reference value:
T205 40397-40689 Sentence denotes 1.1–3.2 × 109 /L) Negative ANA, anti-DNA, c-ANCA, p-ANCA, negative screening for Campylobacter jejuni, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, CMV, HSV 1 and 2, VZV, influenza virus A and B, HIV, normal B12 and serum protein electrophoresis Increased total protein (98 mg/dl), cell count:
T206 40690-40711 Sentence denotes 2/106 L Demyelinating
T207 40712-40835 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Antiviral drugs (not specifically mentioned) Improvement, discharged home after 30 days
T208 40836-40964 Sentence denotes Alberti et al. [6] RT-PCR + chest CT NA NA Increased total protein (54 mg/dl), 9 cells/µl, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T209 40965-41129 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + mechanical invasive ventilation Lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine 24 h after admission, death because of respiratory failure
T210 41130-41433 Sentence denotes Arnaud et al. [7] RT-PCR + chest CT NA Negative anti-ganglioside and antineural antibodies, negative Campylobacter Jejuni, HIV, syphilis, CMV, EBV serology Increased total protein (1.65 g/L), no pleyocitosis, negative oligoclonal bands, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, negative EBV and CMV RT-PCR Demyelinating
T211 41434-41534 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquin, cefotaxime, azithromycine Progressive improvement
T212 41535-41824 Sentence denotes Assini et al. [8] RT-PCR Lymphocytopenia, increased LDH and inflammation markers; low serum albumin (2.9 mg/dL) NA Normal total protein level, increased IgG/albumin ratio (233), negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, presence of oligoclonal bands (both in serum and CSF) Demyelinating with sural sparing
T213 41825-42070 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, arbidol, ritonavir and lopinavir + mechanical invasive ventilation 5 days after IVIG, improvement of swallowing, speech, tongue motility, eyelid ptosis and strength
T214 42071-42419 Sentence denotes Assini et al. [8] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphocytopenia, increased LDH and GGT, leucocytosis, low serum albumin (2.6 mg/dL) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Normal total protein level, increased IgG/albumin ratio (170), negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, presence of oligoclonal bands (both in serum and CSF) Motor sensory axonal, muscular neurogenic changes
T215 42420-42651 Sentence denotes AMSAN NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, antiretroviral therapy, tocilizumab + tracheostomy and assisted ventilation 5 days after IVIG, improvement of vegetative symptoms, persistence of hyporeflexia and right foot drop
T216 42652-42847 Sentence denotes Bigaut et al. [9] RT-PCR + chest CT Normal blood count, negative CRP Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative HIV, Lyme and syphilis serology Increased total protein (0.95 g/L), cell count:
T217 42848-42896 Sentence denotes 1 × 106/L, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T218 42897-42909 Sentence denotes AIDP Spinal:
T219 42910-43109 Sentence denotes Radiculitis and plexitis on both brachial and lumbar plexus; multiple cranial neuritis (in III, VI, VII, and VIII nerves) IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + non-invasive ventilation NA Progressive improvement
T220 43110-43243 Sentence denotes Bigaut et al. [9] RT-PCR + chest CT Increased CRP Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (1.6 g/L), cell count:
T221 43244-43292 Sentence denotes 6 × 106/L, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T222 43293-43356 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) NA Slow progressive improvement
T223 43357-43808 Sentence denotes Bracaglia et al. [10] RT-PCR (normal chest CT) Elevated CPK (461 U/L, normal < 145), CRP 5,65 mg/dL (normal < 0.5), lymphocyto- penia (0·68 × 109/L, normal 1·10–4), mild increase of LDH (284 U/L, normal < 248), GOT and GPT (549 and 547 U/L, normal < 35), elevation of IL-6 (11 pg/mL, normal < 5.9) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies; negative microbiologic testing on CSF and serum for HSV1-2, EBV, VZV, CMV, HIV, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Borrelia.
T224 43809-43870 Sentence denotes Increased total protein (245 mg/dL) and increased cell count:
T225 43871-43923 Sentence denotes 13 cells/mm3, polymorphonucleate 61.5% Demyelinating
T226 43924-44062 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir, darunavir Improvement of UL and LL weakness, development of facial diplegia
T227 44063-44371 Sentence denotes Camdessanche et al. [11] RT-PCR + chest CT NA Negative anti-gangliosides antibodies; negative screening for Campylobacter jejuni, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, CMV, EBV, HSV1-2, VZV, Influenza virus A & B, HIV, and hepatitis E Increased total protein (1.66 g/L), normal cell count Demyelinating
T228 44372-44554 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + mechanical invasive ventilation Oxygen therapy, paracetamol, low molecular weight heparin, lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice a day for 10 days NA
T229 44555-44720 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [12] RT-PCR + chest CT Persistent thrombocytosis (maximum PC 688 ×109/L), elevated d-dimer (1.47 mg/L) NA Increased total protein (1.00 g/L), cell count:
T230 44721-44778 Sentence denotes 4 × 106/L (normal), negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T231 44779-44961 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: bilateral intracranial facial nerve enhancement IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Empiric azithromycin and ceftriaxone Slight improvement of facial weakness, unchanged paraesthesia
T232 44962-45075 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [13] RT-PCR NA Negative anti-gangliosides antibodies Increased total protein (226 mg/dL), leucocytes:
T233 45076-45097 Sentence denotes 3 cells/mm3, glucose:
T234 45098-45299 Sentence denotes 56 mg/dL, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR NA Lumbosacral spine: no pathological findings 5 sessions of plasmapheresis NA Resolution of dysphagia, ambulation with minimal assistance 28 days after symptoms onset
T235 45300-45406 Sentence denotes Chan et al. [13] RT-PCR NA Elevated GM2 IgG/IgM antibodies Increased total protein (67 mg/dL), leucocytes:
T236 45407-45677 Sentence denotes 1 cells/mm3, glucose 58 mg/dL, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR NA NA Mechanical invasive ventilation + 5 sessions of plasmapheresis (without benefit on ventilation) + IVIG NA Persistence of quadriparesis with intermittent autonomic dysfunction, slowly weaned from the ventilator
T237 45678-45934 Sentence denotes Coen et al. [14] RT-PCR + serology Normal (not specified) Negative anti-gangliosides antibodies; negative meningitis/encephalitis panel Albuminocytological dissociation, no intrathecal IgG synthesis, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating with sural sparing
T238 45935-45949 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: NA
T239 45950-46028 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) NA Rapid improvement.
T240 46029-46061 Sentence denotes From day 11 from hospitalisation
T241 46062-46076 Sentence denotes Rehabilitation
T242 46077-46465 Sentence denotes Ebrahimzadeh et al. [15] RT-PCR + chest CT Normal CRP (5 mg/L), normal serum protein immunoelectrophoresis Negative anti-GQ1b antibodies, negative screening for Campylobacter jejuni, HIV, EBV, CMV, influenza virus (type A and B), HCV, non-reactive VDRL Increased total protein (78 mg/dL), normal cell count (erythrocyte = 0/mm3, leukocyte = 4/mm3), normal glucose (70 mg/dL) Demyelinating
T243 46466-46502 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings
T244 46503-46630 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings None Hydroxychloroquine for 5 days Improvement of muscle strength to near normal after 16 days
T245 46631-46912 Sentence denotes Ebrahimzadeh et al. [15] RT-PCR + chest CT Slightly elevated CRP (34 mg/L), normal serum protein immunoelectrophoresis Negative anti-GQ1b antibodies, negative screening for Campylobacter jejuni, HIV, EBV, CMV, influenza virus (type A and B), HCV, non-reactive VDRL NA Demyelinating
T246 46913-46992 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG NA Improvement of muscle strength in all extremities after 14 days
T247 46993-47135 Sentence denotes El Otmani et al. [16] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphocytopenia (520/ml) NA Increased total protein (1 g/L), normal cell count, negative PCR assay for
T248 47136-47167 Sentence denotes SARS-CoV-2 Motor sensory axonal
T249 47168-47358 Sentence denotes AMSAN NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine 600 mg/day; azithromycin 500 mg at the first day, then 250 mg per day At week 1 from admission no significant neurological improvement
T250 47359-47447 Sentence denotes Esteban Molina et al. [17] RT-PCR + chest X-ray Leucocyte 7400/mm3, lymphocyte 2400/mm3.
T251 47448-47459 Sentence denotes Hb 14 g/dl.
T252 47460-47494 Sentence denotes PC 408,000/mm3, d-Dimer 556 ng/ml.
T253 47495-47639 Sentence denotes Ferritin 544 ng/ml, CRP 2.04 mg/dl, Fibrinogen 6.8 g/dl Negative bacteriological and viral tests Increased total protein (86 mg/dL), cell count:
T254 47640-47661 Sentence denotes 3x106/L Demyelinating
T255 47662-47854 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: leptomeningeal enhancement in midbrain and cervical spine IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ceftriaxon Motor improvement but persistence of paraesthesia
T256 47855-47933 Sentence denotes Farzi et al. [18] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphopenia (WBC:5.9 × 109/L, neutrophils:
T257 47934-48011 Sentence denotes 85%, lymphocyte:15%), elevated levels of CRP, ESR 69 mm/h NA NA Demyelinating
T258 48012-48132 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG (2 g/kg over 5 days) Lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine Improvement after 3 days, favorable outcome
T259 48133-48332 Sentence denotes Fernández–Domínguez et al. [19] RT-PCR NA Negative anti-GD1b antibodies, negative other anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (110 mg/dL), albuminocytological dissociation Demyelinating
T260 48333-48433 Sentence denotes NA Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 20 g/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir NA
T261 48434-48474 Sentence denotes Finsterer et al. [20] NA NA NA NA Axonal
T262 48475-48499 Sentence denotes AMAN NA IVIG NA Recovery
T263 48500-48824 Sentence denotes Frank et al. [21] RT-PCR, + serology (IgG and IgM) WBC and CRP normal Negative hepatitis B and C, HIV and VDRL tests Two CSF analysis 2 weeks apart, both showing normal cell count and CSF biochemistry, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, negative PCR for HSV1, HSV2, CMV, EBV, VZV; Zika virus; Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus Axonal
T264 48825-48861 Sentence denotes AMAN Brain: no pathological findings
T265 48862-49005 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Methylprednisolone, azithromycin, albendazole Some improvement, weakness persisted
T266 49006-49208 Sentence denotes Gigli et al. [22] Chest CT + serology (negative RT-PCR) NA Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative PCR for influenza A and B viruses (nasal swab) Increased total protein (192.8 mg/L), leucocytes:
T267 49209-49288 Sentence denotes 2.6 cells/µL, positive Ig for SARS-CoV-2, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T268 49289-49305 Sentence denotes AIDP NA NA NA NA
T269 49306-49514 Sentence denotes Gutiérrez-Ortiz et al. [23] RT-PCR Lymphocytes 1000 cells/UI, CRP 2.8 mg/dl Positive anti-GD1b antibodies, other anti-ganglioside antibodies negative Increased total protein (80 mg/dl), no leucocytes, glucose
T270 49515-49654 Sentence denotes 62 mg/dl, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR NA NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) NA After 2 weeks from admission complete resolution except anosmia, ageusia
T271 49655-49760 Sentence denotes Gutiérrez-Ortiz et al. [23] RT-PCR Leucopenia (3100 cells/µl) NA Increased total protein (62 mg/dl), WBC:
T272 49761-49791 Sentence denotes 2/μl (all monocytes), glucose:
T273 49792-49966 Sentence denotes 50 mg/dl, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR NA NA None Paracetamol 2 weeks later complete neurological recovery with no ageusia, complete eye movements, and normal deep tendon reflexes
T274 49967-50052 Sentence denotes Helbok et al. [24] Chest CT + serology (repeated negative RT-PCR) WBC 8.1G/L (normal:
T275 50053-50090 Sentence denotes 4.0–10.0G/L), CRP 2.3 mg/dL, (normal:
T276 50091-50142 Sentence denotes 0.0–0.5 mg/dL), fibrinogen level 650 mg/dL (normal:
T277 50143-50179 Sentence denotes 210–400 mg/dL), LDH 276 U/L (normal:
T278 50180-50428 Sentence denotes 100–250 U/L), erythrocyte sedimentation rate 55 mm/1 h Negative PCR for CMV, EBV, influenza virus A/B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and IgM antibodies for Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae Increased total protein (64 mg/dl), cell count:
T279 50429-50642 Sentence denotes 2 cells/mm3, serum/ CSF glucose ratio of 0.83, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (not determined if intrathecal synthesis or passive transfer from blood) Demyelinating with sural sparing
T280 50643-50852 Sentence denotes AIDP Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 30 g + plasma exchange (4 cycles) + mechanical invasive ventilation None Improvement of muscle forces with recovery of mobility without significant help after 8 weeks
T281 50853-50967 Sentence denotes Hutchins et al. [25] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count of 0.7 K/mm3) Serum HSV IgG and IgM.
T282 50968-51521 Sentence denotes Respiratory viral panel PCR negative Negative GM1, GD1b, and GQ1b IgG and IgM), aquaporin-4 receptor (IgG), HIV 1/2, HSV 1/2 (IgG and IgM), CMV (IgM), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (IgG and IgM), Borrelia burgdorferi (IgG and IgM), Bartonella species (IgG and IgM), and syphilis (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test) Increased total protein (49 mg/dL), normal glucose levels (65 mg/dL), no leukocytes Mixed demyelinating and axonal EMG subtype unknown Brain: enhancement of the facial and abducens nerves bilaterally, as well as the right oculomotor nerve
T283 51522-51623 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings Plasma exchange (5 cycles) NA Discharged to inpatient rehabilitation
T284 51624-51731 Sentence denotes Juliao Caamaño et al. [26] RT-PCR NA NA Normal total protein (44 mg/dL), no pleocytosis Absent blink-reflex
T285 51732-51909 Sentence denotes EMG subtype unknown Brain: no pathological findings Oral prednisolone Hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir for 14 days Minimal improvement of muscle weakness after 2 weeks
T286 51910-52444 Sentence denotes Khalifa et al. [27] RT-PCR + chest X-ray + chest CT WBC 5.5 × 103, PC 356 × 103, CRP 0.5 mg/dL (normal 0.0–0.5), serum ferritin 87.3 ng/ml (normal 12.0–150.0), elevated d-Dimer levels 0.72 mg/L (0.00–0.49) Negative screening for:  influenza A and B viruses; influenza A virus subtypes H1, H3, and H5 including subtype H5N1 of the Asian lineage; parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, 3, and 4; respiratory syncytial virus types A and B; adenovirus; metapneumovirus; rhinovirus; enterovirus; Coronavirus 229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43 Cell count:
T287 52445-52503 Sentence denotes 5 mm3, increased total protein (316.7 mg/dL) Demyelinating
T288 52504-52540 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings
T289 52541-52742 Sentence denotes Spinal: enhancement of the cauda equina nerve roots IVIG 1 g/kg (2 days) Paracetamol, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine Discharge to home after 15 days with clinical and electrophysiological improvement
T290 52743-53000 Sentence denotes Kilinc et al. [28] Fecal PCR + serology NA Negative anti-GQ1b antibodies, serologic tests on Borrelia burgdorferi, syphilis, Campylobacter jejuni, CMV, hepatitis E, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and CMV Normal cell count, normal proteins Predominantly demyelinating
T291 53001-53125 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 2 g/kg (5 days) None Persistence of mild symptoms at the discharge (after 14 days)
T292 53126-53379 Sentence denotes Lampe et al. [29] RT-PCR (negative chest X-ray) Slightly increased CRP (1.92 mg/dL) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies; negative influenza and respiratory syncytial virus Increased total protein (56 mg/dL), normal cell count (2 cells/μL) Demyelinating
T293 53380-53541 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) None Improvement of GBS symptoms with persistence of generalized areflexia except for left biceps reflex, discharge after 12 days
T294 53542-53790 Sentence denotes Lantos et al. [30] RT-PCR NA GM1 antibodies in the equivocal range NA NA Brain: enlargement, prominent enhancement with gadolinium, and T2 hyperintense signal of the left cranial nerve III IVIG Hydroxychloroquine Improvement, discharge after 4 days
T295 53791-54030 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] RT-PCR + chest X-ray + positive IgM (IgG positivity 2 weeks later) WBC 8900 cells/mm3; lymphocytes 1200 cells/mm3; PC 45,500 cells/mm3 Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (60 mg/dL), leucocytes:
T296 54031-54080 Sentence denotes 3 cells/μL, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T297 54081-54167 Sentence denotes AIDP Spinal: no nerve root gadolinium enhancement IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + mechanical
T298 54168-54230 Sentence denotes invasive ventilation Azithromycin Improvement of tetraparesis.
T299 54231-54264 Sentence denotes Able to stand up with assistance.
T300 54265-54421 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] RT-PCR + chest X-ray WBC 3300 cells/mm3; lymphocytes 800 cells/mm3; PC 119,000 cells/mm3 NA Normal total protein (40 mg/dl), cell count:
T301 54422-54510 Sentence denotes 2 cells/μL Mixed demyelinating (conduction blocks) and axonal with sural sparing pattern
T302 54511-54620 Sentence denotes Predominantly AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Amoxicillin, clarithromycin Dismissal with full motor recovery.
T303 54621-54672 Sentence denotes Persistence of LL areflexia and distal paraesthesia
T304 54673-54833 Sentence denotes Lascano et al. [31] RT-PCR + chest X-ray WBC 4000 cells/mm3; lymphocytes 600 cells/mm3; PC 322,000 cells/mm3 NA Increased total protein (140 mg/dL), cell count:
T305 54834-54910 Sentence denotes 4 cells/μL, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating with sural sparing pattern
T306 54911-54947 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings
T307 54948-55096 Sentence denotes Spinal cord: lumbosacral nerve root enhancement IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Amoxicillin Improvement of tetraparesis and ability to walk with assistance.
T308 55097-55152 Sentence denotes Persistence of neuropathic pain and distal paraesthesia
T309 55153-55667 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [32] RT-PCR + chest CT NA Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies negative serum anti-HIV, anti-HBV, anti-HCV antibodies Increased total protein (74.9 mg/dL), negative CSF PCR for bacteria, fungi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Herpes viruses, Enteroviruses, Japanese B virus and Dengue viruses NA Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotic therapy, oxygen support (35%) Resolution of all symptoms except for minor hyporeflexia at the LL
T310 55668-55703 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] RT-PCR IL-1:
T311 55704-55736 Sentence denotes 0.2 pg/ml (< 0.001 pg/ml), IL-6:
T312 55737-55771 Sentence denotes 113.0 pg/ml (0.8–6.4 pg/ml), IL-8:
T313 55772-55807 Sentence denotes 20.0 pg/ml (6.7–16.2 pg/ml), TNF-α:
T314 55808-55996 Sentence denotes 16.0 pg/ml (7.8–12.2 pg/ml) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative HIV, HBV, HCV negative serological tests for autoimmune disorders Increased total protein (52 mg/dl), leucocytes:
T315 55997-56046 Sentence denotes 1 cell/mm3, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T316 56047-56225 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, oseltamivir, darunavir, methylprednisolone and tocilizumab + mechanical invasive ventilation Improvement of motor symptoms
T317 56226-56261 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] RT-PCR IL-1:
T318 56262-56294 Sentence denotes 0.5 pg/ml (< 0.001 pg/ml), IL-6:
T319 56295-56327 Sentence denotes 9.8 pg/ml (0.8–6.4 pg/ml), IL-8:
T320 56328-56364 Sentence denotes 55.0 pg/ml (6.7–16.2 pg/ml), TNF- α:
T321 56365-56550 Sentence denotes 16.0 pg/ml (7.8–12.2 pg/ml) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative HIV, HBV, HCV negative serological tests for autoimmune disorders Normal total protein (40 mg/dl), leucocytes:
T322 56551-56823 Sentence denotes 1 cell/mm3, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Mixed demyelinating and axonal   EMG subtype unknown Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, methylprednisolone + mechanical invasive ventilation Improvement of motor symptoms
T323 56824-57016 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] RT-PCR NA Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative HIV, HBV, HCV negative serological tests for autoimmune disordes Increased total protein (72 mg/dL), leucocytes:
T324 57017-57073 Sentence denotes 5 cell/mm3, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Mainly demyelinating
T325 57074-57224 Sentence denotes Predominantly AIDP Brain: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, methylprednisolone Improvement
T326 57225-57384 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] RT-PCR NA NA NA Mixed demyelinating and axonal  EMG subtype unknown NA Methylprednisolone 60 mg for 5 days Methylprednisolone Stationary
T327 57385-57420 Sentence denotes Manganotti et al. [33] RT-PCR IL-1:
T328 57421-57453 Sentence denotes 0.2 pg/ml (< 0.001 pg/ml), IL-6:
T329 57454-57487 Sentence denotes 32.7 pg/ml (0.8–6.4 pg/ml), IL-8:
T330 57488-57525 Sentence denotes 17.8 pg/ml (6.7–16.2 pg/ml), TNF- α :
T331 57526-57561 Sentence denotes 11.1 pg/ml (7.8–12.2 pg/ml), IL-2R:
T332 57562-57603 Sentence denotes 1203.0 pg/ml (440.0–1435.0 pg/ml), IL-10:
T333 57604-57783 Sentence denotes 4.6 (1.8–3.8 pg/ml) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies, negative HIV, HBV, HCV negative serological tests for autoimmune disordes Increased total protein (53 mg/dL), leucocytes:
T334 57784-58072 Sentence denotes 2 cell/mm3, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Mixed demyelinating and axonal  EMG subtype unknown NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, methylprednisolone, meropenem, linezolid, clarithromycin, fluconazole, doxycycline + mechanical invasive ventilation Improvement
T335 58073-58190 Sentence denotes Marta-Enguita et al. [34] RT-PCR + chest CT Thrombocytopenia, d-Dimer elevation NA NA NA NA NA NA Death after 10 days
T336 58191-58393 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] RT-PCR (negative chest CT) Normal WBC, CRP and ESR NA Increased total protein (139 mg/dL), normal cell count, negative CSF HSV serology and gram stain and culture Demyelinating
T337 58394-58526 Sentence denotes AIDP NA Plasma exchange (5 cycles) NA Significant improvement of muscle weakness after 3 weeks, persistence of mild bifacial paresis
T338 58527-58718 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] RT-PCR Normal WBC, CRP and ESR NA Albuminocytological dissociation NA NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) NA Complete recovery, except for the persistence of hyporeflexia
T339 58719-58909 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] RT-PCR + chest CT Leucocytosis lymphopenia, elevated ESR and CRP NA Increased total protein (57 mg/dL), normal cell count and glucose (not further specified) Axonal
T340 58910-59041 Sentence denotes AMSAN NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (3 days) Hydroxy chloroquine, lopinavir/ ritonavir Death after 3 days from starting treatment with IVIG
T341 59042-59240 Sentence denotes Mozhdehipanah et al. [35] RT-PCR + chest CT Leucocytosis, lymphopenia, elevated ESR and CRP NA Increased total protein (89 mg/dL), normal cell count and glucose (not further specified) Demyelinating
T342 59241-59354 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) Hydroxy chloroquine, lopinavir/ ritonavir No significant clinical improvement
T343 59355-59411 Sentence denotes Naddaf et al. [36] Positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG (index value:
T344 59412-59844 Sentence denotes 8.2, normal < 0.8) and IgA + chest CT (negative RT-PCR) Normal completed blood count, elevated d-dimer (690 ng/mL), ferritin (575 mcg/L), ESR (26 mm/h), alanine aminotransferase (73 U/L) Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies negative HIV, syphilis, West Nile virus, Lyme disease testing, EBV and CMV serology consistent with remote infection, negative paraneoplastic evaluation Increased total protein (273 mg/dL), total cells count:
T345 59845-59978 Sentence denotes 2/mm3, negative CSF SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, negative meningitis/encephalitis panel, negative oligoclonal bands and IgG index Demyelinating
T346 59979-60174 Sentence denotes AIDP Spine: smooth enhancement of the cauda equine roots Plasma exchange (5 sessions) Hydroxy chloroquine, zinc, methylprednisolone 40 mg bid for 5 days Improvement of motor and gait examination.
T347 60175-60230 Sentence denotes Persistence of slight ataxia without requiring gait aid
T348 60231-60468 Sentence denotes Oguz-Akarsu et al. [37] RT-PCR + chest MRT + chest CT Mild neutropenia (1.49 cells/µL) and a high monocyte percentage (19.77) HIV test negative Normal total protein (32.6 mg/dL) with no leucocytes Demyelinating with sural sparing pattern
T349 60469-60809 Sentence denotes AIDP Cervical and lumbar and spine: asymmetrical thickening and hyperintensity of post-ganglionic roots supplying the brachial and lumbar plexuses in STIR sequences Plasma exchange (five sessions, one every other day) Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin Marked neurological improvement after 2 weeks and she was able to walk without assistance
T350 60810-60978 Sentence denotes Ottaviani et al. [38] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphopenia, increased d-dimer, CRP and CK Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (108 mg/dL), cell count:
T351 60979-61010 Sentence denotes 0 cells/μL Mainly demyelinating
T352 61011-61143 Sentence denotes Predominantly AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine Progressive worsening with multi-organ failure
T353 61144-61464 Sentence denotes Padroni et al. [39] RT-PCR + chest CT WBC 10.41 × 109/L (neutrophils 8.15 × 109/L), normal d-dimer Negative screening for Mycoplasma pneumonia, CMV, Legionella pneumophila, Streptococcus pneumoniae, HSV, VZV, EBV, HIV-1, Borrelia burgdorferi; auto-antibodies not performed Increased total protein (48 mg/dl), cell count:
T354 61465-61495 Sentence denotes 1 × 106/L Motor sensory axonal
T355 61496-61631 Sentence denotes AMSAN NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + mechanical invasive ventilation NA At day 6 from admission: ICU with mechanical invasive ventilation
T356 61632-61773 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] Definite diagnosis (not specified) (normal chest CT) Increased neutrophils and CRP NA Increased total protein (0.5 g/L),
T357 61774-61785 Sentence denotes leucocytes:
T358 61786-61817 Sentence denotes 3 cells/μL (0–5), Demyelinating
T359 61818-61987 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG + mechanical invasive ventilation None 17 days of hospitalisation, at discharge able to walk 5 m (across an open space) but incapable of manual work/running
T360 61988-62127 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] Definite diagnosis (not specified) (normal chest CT) Increased CRP and fibrinogen NA Increased total protein (0.6 g/L)
T361 62128-62139 Sentence denotes leucocytes:
T362 62140-62201 Sentence denotes 2 cells/μL (0-5), Glucose 3.4 (mmol/L; 2.2-4.2) Demyelinating
T363 62202-62354 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings IVIG Mechanical invasive ventilation 46 days (ongoing) of hospitalisation, still critical and requiring ventilation
T364 62355-62490 Sentence denotes Paterson et al. [40] Definite diagnosis (not specified) (normal chest CT) Not significant findings NA Increased total protein (0.9 g/L)
T365 62491-62566 Sentence denotes leucocytes: < 1 cells/μL (0-5), Glucose 3.7 (mmol/L; 2.2-4.2) Demyelinating
T366 62567-62725 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings IVIG NA 7 days (ongoing) of hospitalisation, able to walk 5 m (across an open space) but incapable of manual work/running
T367 62726-63321 Sentence denotes Paybast et al. [41] RT-PCR NA NA Increased total protein (139 mg/dL), normal glucose and cell count, normal CSF viral serology, negative gram stain and culture Mixed demyelinating and axonal  EMG subtype unknown NA 5 sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange, intravenous bolus of labetalol to control sympathetic nervous system over-reactivity Hydroxychloroquine sulphate 200 mg two times per day for a week Persistence of generalized hyporeflexia, decreased light touch sensation in distal limbs, mild bilateral facial paresis, sympathetic over-reactivity successfully controlled with labetalol,
T368 63322-63568 Sentence denotes Paybast et al. [41] RT-PCR NA NA Albuminocytological dissociation NA NA IVIG 20 g (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine sulphate 200 mg two times per day for a week Persistence of generalized hyporeflexia and decreased light touch sensation in distal limbs
T369 63569-63665 Sentence denotes Pfefferkorn et al. [42] RT-PCR + chest CT NA Negative anti-gangliosides antibodies At admission:
T370 63666-63699 Sentence denotes Normal total protein, cell count:
T371 63700-63729 Sentence denotes 9/µL, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR
T372 63730-63813 Sentence denotes At day 13th: increased total protein (10.231 mg/L), normal cell count Demyelinating
T373 63814-63948 Sentence denotes AIDP Spinal: massive symmetrical contrast enhancement of the spinal nerve roots at all levels of the spine including the cauda equina.
T374 63949-64213 Sentence denotes Anterior and posterior nerve roots were equally affected IVIG 30 g (5 days) + mechanical invasive ventilation + plasma exchange NA At day 31 from admission: motor improvement with regression of facial and hypoglossal paresis but still needed mechanical ventilation
T375 64214-64279 Sentence denotes Rana et al. [43] RT-PCR NA NA NA Demyelinating with sural sparing
T376 64280-64472 Sentence denotes AIDP Thoracic and lumbar spine: no evidence of myelopathy or radiculopathy IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin On day 4 respiratory improvement, on day 7 rehabilitation
T377 64473-64611 Sentence denotes Reyes-Bueno et al. [44] Serology (negative RT-PCR) NA Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (70 mg/dl), cell count:
T378 64612-64707 Sentence denotes 5 cells/µl, albuminocytological dissociation Demyelinating with alteration of the Blink-Reflex.
T379 64708-64783 Sentence denotes Further EMG: polyradiculoneuropathy with proximal and brainstem involvement
T380 64784-64922 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + Gabapentin NA After the 18th day progressive improvement of  facial and limb paresis, diplopia and pain.
T381 64923-64961 Sentence denotes Consequent neurological rehabilitation
T382 64962-65199 Sentence denotes Riva et al. [45] Chest CT + serology (negative RT-PCR) No pathological findings Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Normal total protein and cells; negative PCR for SARS-CoV2, EBV, CMV, VZV, HSV 1–2, HIV Demyelinating with sural sparing
T383 65200-65214 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: NA
T384 65215-65314 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) None Slowly improvement after the 10th day
T385 65315-65450 Sentence denotes Sancho-Saldaña et al. [46] RT-PCR + chest X-Ray NA Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (0.86 g/L), cell count:
T386 65451-65477 Sentence denotes 3 leucocytes Demyelinating
T387 65478-65646 Sentence denotes AIDP Whole spine: brainstem and cervical meningeal enhancement IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin Recovering by day 7 after the onset of weakness.
T388 65647-65871 Sentence denotes Scheidl et al. [47] RT-PCR No pathological findings Negative Campylobacter Jejuni and Borrelia serology, negative ANA, anti-DNA, c-ANCA,p-ANCA Increased total protein (140 g/L), albuminocytological dissociation Demyelinating
T389 65872-65886 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: NA
T390 65887-65974 Sentence denotes Cervical spine: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) None Complete recovery
T391 65975-66112 Sentence denotes Sedaghat et al. [48] RT-PCR + chest CT Increased WBC 14.6 × 103 (neutrophils 82.7%, lymphocytes 10.4%) and CRP NA NA Motor sensory Axonal
T392 66113-66150 Sentence denotes AMSAN Brain: no pathological findings
T393 66151-66294 Sentence denotes Spinal: two cervical intervertebral disc herniations IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, azithromycin Not reported
T394 66295-66355 Sentence denotes Sidig et al. [49] RT-PCR + chest CT NA NA None Demyelinating
T395 66356-66461 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings NA NA Death after 7 days; because of progressive respiratory failure
T396 66462-66701 Sentence denotes Su et al. [50] RT-PCR + chest X-ray WBC 12,000 cells/µl Negative anti- ganglioside GM1, GD1b and GQ1b antibodies, acetylcholine receptor binding, voltage-gated calcium channel, antinuclear and ANCA Increased total protein (313 mg/dL), WBC:
T397 66702-66722 Sentence denotes 1 cell Demyelinating
T398 66723-66801 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 2gm/kg (for 4 days) None On day 28 persistence of severe weakness
T399 66802-66906 Sentence denotes Tiet et al. [51] RT-PCR Elevated lactate on venous blood gas (3.3 mmo/L), mildly elevated CRP (20 mg/L).
T400 66907-66956 Sentence denotes Normal WBC, sodium, potassium and renal function.
T401 66957-67030 Sentence denotes NA Increased total protein (> 1.25 g/L), cell count 1x106/L Demyelinating
T402 67031-67206 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) None Resolution of facial diplegia, improved upper and lower limbs weakness; able to mobilize unassisted 11 weaks after neurorehabilitation
T403 67207-67402 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] RT-PCR + Chest CT + serology Lymphocytopenia, increased CRP, LDH, ketonuria Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Day 2: normal total protein, no cells, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR
T404 67403-67459 Sentence denotes Day 10: increased total protein (101) mg/dl, cell count:
T405 67460-67516 Sentence denotes 4/mm3, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Axonal with sural sparing
T406 67517-67554 Sentence denotes AMSAN Brain: no pathological findings
T407 67555-67562 Sentence denotes Spinal:
T408 67563-67756 Sentence denotes Enhancement of caudal nerve roots IVIG 400 mg/kg (2 cycles) + temporary mechanical non-invasive ventilation Paracetamol At week 4 persistence of severe UL weakness, dysphagia, and LL paraplegia
T409 67757-67963 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] RT-PCR (negative chest CT) Lymphocytopenia; increased ferritin, CRP, LDH NA Increased total protein (123 mg/dl), no cells, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Motor sensory axonal with sural sparing
T410 67964-68016 Sentence denotes AMSAN Brain: enhancement of facial nerve bilaterally
T411 68017-68150 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg Amoxycillin At week 4 improvement of  ataxia and mild improvement of  facial weakness
T412 68151-68356 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] RT-PCR + chest CT Lymphocytopenia; increased CRP, LDH, ketonuria Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies Increased total protein (193 mg/dl), no cells, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Motor axonal
T413 68357-68393 Sentence denotes AMAN Brain: no pathological findings
T414 68394-68566 Sentence denotes Spinal: enhancement of caudal nerve roots IVIG 400 mg/kg (2 cycles) + mechanical invasive ventilation Azythromicin ICU admission due to respiratory failure and tetraplegia.
T415 68567-68591 Sentence denotes At week 4 still critical
T416 68592-68758 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] RT-PCR + serology (negative chest CT) Lymphocytopenia; increased CRP, ketonuria NA Normal protein, no cells, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T417 68759-68795 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: no pathological findings
T418 68796-68901 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg None At week 4 mild improvement in UL but unable to stand
T419 68902-69239 Sentence denotes Toscano et al. [52] Chest CT + serology (negative RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swab and BAL) Lymphocytopenia; increased CRP, LDH Negative anti-ganglioside antibodies; negative screening for Campylobacter jejuni, EBV, CMV, HSV, VZV, influenza, HIV Normal total protein (40 mg/dL), white cell count 3/mm3; negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR Demyelinating
T420 69240-69254 Sentence denotes AIDP Brain: NA
T421 69255-69443 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg + plasma exchange + mechanical invasive ventilation + enteral nutrition None At week 4 flaccid tetraplegia, dysphagia, ventilation dependent
T422 69444-69513 Sentence denotes Velayos Galán et al. [53] RT-PCR + chest X-ray NA NA NA Demyelinating
T423 69514-69644 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, amoxicillin, corticosteroids + low-flow oxygen therapy NA
T424 69645-69740 Sentence denotes Virani et al. [54] rt-pcr + chest mrt WBC 8.6 × 103; Hb 15.4 g/dl; PC 211 × 103; procalcitonin:
T425 69741-69770 Sentence denotes 0.15 ng/ml NA NA NA Brain: NA
T426 69771-70060 Sentence denotes Spinal: no pathological findings IVIG 400 mg/kg (5 days) + mechanical invasive ventilation (4 days) Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg bid for first 2 doses, then 200 mg bid for 8 doses At day 4 of IVIG: liberation from mechanical ventilation, resolution of UL symptoms, persistence of LL weakness.
T427 70061-70094 Sentence denotes Sent to a rehabilitation facility
T428 70095-70445 Sentence denotes Webb et al. [55] RT-PCR + chest X-ray + chest CT Lymphopenia (0.9 × 109/L), thrombocytosis (490 × 109/L) raised CRP (25 mg/L) Negative ANA, ANCA, anti-ganglioside antibodies, syphilis serology HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Increased total protein (0.51 g/L), normal glucose and cell count, negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR, negative viral PCR Demyelinating
T429 70446-70503 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG 400 mg/kg/day (5 days) + Mechanical invasive
T430 70504-70587 Sentence denotes ventilation Co-amoxiclav After 1 week in ICU: no oxygen requirement and ventilation
T431 70588-70728 Sentence denotes Zhao et al. [56] RT-PCR + chest CT WBC 0.52 × 109; PC 113 × 109/L NA Increased total protein (124 mg/dL), cell count 5 × 106/L Demyelinating
T432 70729-70855 Sentence denotes AIDP NA IVIG (dosing not reported) Arbidol, lopinavir/ ritonavir At day 30 resolution of neurological and respiratory symptoms
T433 70856-72087 Sentence denotes AIDP, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; AMAN, acute motor axonal neuropathy; AMSAN, acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy; ANA, antinuclear antibodies; ANCA, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage; CK, creatine kinase; CMV, cytomegalovirus; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; CRP, C-reactive protein; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; CT, computed tomography; DM, diabetes mellitus; EBV, Epstein–Barr virus; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; F, female; GBS, Guillain–Barré syndrome; GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase; GOT, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase; GPT, glutamate pyruvate transaminase; Hb, haemoglobin; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; HSV, herpex simplex virus; ICU, intensive-care unit; IL, interleukin; IVIG, intravenous immunoglobulins; IL, interleukin; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; LL, lower limbs; M, male; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; NA, not available; PC, platelet count; PCR, Polymerase Chain Reaction; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; UL, upper limbs; VDRL, Veneral Disease Research Laboratory; VZV, varicella-zoster virus; WBC, white blood cells; X-ray: radiography
T434 72088-72308 Sentence denotes aTime to Nadir refers to days elapsed between the onset of neurological symptoms and the development of the worst clinical picture when no progression was reported nadir was considered concomitant with GBS symptoms onset
T435 72309-72356 Sentence denotes bAccording to Brighton diagnostic criteria [66]
T436 72357-72641 Sentence denotes Interestingly, patients with no improvement or poor outcome (n = 19) showed a slightly higher (but not significant) frequency of clinical history and/or a radiological picture of COVID-19 pneumonia (14/19, 73.7%) compared to those with a favorable prognosis (29/48, 60.4%, p = 0.541).
T437 72642-72972 Sentence denotes Moreover, the former group of patients was significantly older (mean 62.7 ± 17.8 years, p = 0.011), but with comparable distribution of sex (p = 0.622) and electrophysiological subtypes (p = 0.144) and similar latency between COVID-19 and GBS (p = 0.588) and nadir (p = 0.825), compared to the latter (mean age 51.8 ± 16.6 years).
T438 72973-73136 Sentence denotes The same findings were confirmed even after excluding cases with no improvement from the analysis (to prevent a possible bias related to the short follow-up time).
T439 73138-73148 Sentence denotes Discussion
T440 73149-73249 Sentence denotes COVID-19 pandemic prompts all efforts for the early recognition and treatment of its manifestations.
T441 73250-73448 Sentence denotes In analogy to other viruses, belonging or not to the coronavirus family [63, 67], neurologic complications in COVID-19 are emerging as one of the most significant clinical chapters of this pandemic.
T442 73449-73592 Sentence denotes In this regard, peripheral and central nervous system damage in COVID-19 has been postulated to be the consequence of two different mechanisms:
T443 73593-73894 Sentence denotes 1) hematogenous (infection of endothelial cells or leucocytes) or trans-neuronal (via olfactory tract or other cranial nerves) dissemination to central nervous system in relation with viral neurotropism, and 2) abnormal immune-mediated response causing secondary neurological involvement [62, 68, 69].
T444 73895-74086 Sentence denotes The first mechanism is supposed to be responsible for the most common neurological symptoms developed by patients with COVID-19 (e.g., hypogeusia, hyposmia, headache, vertigo, and dizziness).
T445 74087-74338 Sentence denotes In contrast, the second can lead to severe complications during or after the course of the illness, either dysimmune (e.g., myelitis, encephalitis, GBS) or induced by cytokine overproduction (hypercoagulable state and cerebrovascular events) [68, 69].
T446 74339-74509 Sentence denotes In the present systematic review, we reviewed clinical features, results of diagnostic investigations, and outcome in 73 cases of COVID-19-associated GBS spectrum [5–56].
T447 74510-74633 Sentence denotes In the present study, mean age at onset in patients with GBS largely overlapped that of classic COVID-19 subjects [70, 71].
T448 74634-74827 Sentence denotes However, pediatric cases with GBS have been increasingly reported in the literature [21, 27, 35, 41], suggesting that, with the spreading of the pandemic, a broader age range might be affected.
T449 74828-74951 Sentence denotes Moreover, we found a higher prevalence of GBS in males compared to females, as previously reported for Zika virus–GBS [72].
T450 74952-75020 Sentence denotes This finding may also reflect the gender epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.
T451 75021-75321 Sentence denotes In this regard, males typically show a worse COVID-19 outcome compared to the females [70, 71], possibly due to a generally shorter life expectancy or to higher circulating Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels, the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in the former compared to the latter [71].
T452 75322-75586 Sentence denotes Moreover, given that GBS is a rare disease [57] the epidemiological distribution of the reported cases seems to reflect current worldwide outbreaks, with Europe being the “hottest” spot in March–May 2020 and USA together with Asia in the following period [73, 74].
T453 75587-75849 Sentence denotes On another issue, despite a few GBS cases seemed to have a para-infectious profile [10, 37, 38, 40, 55, 56] as described for Zika virus [75], all other reported patients developed neurological symptoms with a typical latency after COVID-19 (median time 14 days).
T454 75850-76099 Sentence denotes This feature, together with the frequently reported negative nasopharyngeal swab at GBS onset [22, 24, 36, 44, 45, 52] and clinical improvement after IVIG therapy, seems to support the notion of a prominent post-infectious immune-mediated mechanism.
T455 76100-76261 Sentence denotes However, in this context, the massive release of cytokines in COVID-19 may also contribute to the amplification of the dysimmune process underlying GBS [76, 77].
T456 76262-76461 Sentence denotes In this regard, the increase of blood inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1, etc.) in GBS tested cases may reinforce the hypothesis of a systemic inflammatory storm in COVID-19 [76, 77].
T457 76462-76642 Sentence denotes However, given the limited data, we could not perform an accurate analysis of the distribution and, eventually, prognostic value of inflammatory markers in COVID-19-associated GBS.
T458 76643-76882 Sentence denotes Moreover, we cannot exclude that in cases with GBS developing before or together with COVID-19 symptoms, the disease might have progressed sub-clinically in the early phase to manifest afterwards with its typical systemic clinical picture.
T459 76883-77071 Sentence denotes Indeed, two cases [10, 12], who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, never developed COVID-19 respiratory or systemic symptoms and one of them showed an asymptomatic pneumonia at chest-CT [12].
T460 77072-77255 Sentence denotes However, only more extensive epidemiological and translational studies, with the aim to compare the characteristics of GBS associated or not with COVID-19, could clarify these issues.
T461 77256-77488 Sentence denotes In our population, most common clinical manifestations and distribution of clinical variants resemble those of classic GBS confirming the predominance of the sensorimotor syndrome compared to MFS and other rare variants [57–59, 66].
T462 77489-77589 Sentence denotes Similarly, the results of CSF analysis reflected typical neurochemical findings in non-COVID-19 GBS.
T463 77590-77783 Sentence denotes In the latter, elevated CSF proteins and pleocytosis were described in about 50–80% [57, 78] and 11–15% cases, respectively [58, 79, 80], largely overlapping with the percentages in our cohort.
T464 77784-78082 Sentence denotes In this regard, the mostly normal cell count, together with the absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in all tested CSF samples [6–9, 12–14, 16, 21–24, 31, 33, 36, 42, 44, 52, 55], makes the possibility of a direct invasion from SARS-CoV-2 into the nerve roots with intrathecal viral replication less probable.
T465 78083-78234 Sentence denotes However, a possible bias might rely on the lack of systematic data concerning the latency between symptom onset and CSF sampling in COVID-19 GBS cases.
T466 78235-78703 Sentence denotes On another issue, in a further case of MFS associated withCOVID-19, who came to our attention, we observed the absence of intrathecal synthesis of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies together with a massive increase of CSF phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) proteins, supporting the role of neurochemical markers as easily implementable tools for the detection of nervous system affection in COVID-19-related diseases [81, 82].
T467 78704-78827 Sentence denotes At variance with CSF findings, we found a discrepancy concerning MRI findings between classic GBS and COVID-19-related GBS.
T468 78828-79042 Sentence denotes Specifically, while most cases of the former group showed typically spinal root enhancement at MRI [83], in the latter group, in analogy with Zika-associated GBS, the same finding was less frequently reported [84].
T469 79043-79300 Sentence denotes However, caution should be warranted in the interpretation of these results, given that MRI findings might have been underestimated, due to lack of a sufficient number of exams in the context of pandemic-imposed restrictions in the routine clinical setting.
T470 79301-79548 Sentence denotes Regarding the distribution of GBS electrophysiological variants, our analysis showed that COVID-19-associated GBS manifests prevalently with AIDP and, to a lesser extent, with AMSAN and AMAN, in line with classic GBS in Western countries [66, 85].
T471 79549-79875 Sentence denotes Conversely, the observation of positive anti-GD1b antibodies  in one COVID-19-related MFS patient and negative anti-ganglioside antibodies in other five cases appear in discordance with the high prevalence (≈ 90%) of anti-GQ1b antibodies among non-COVID-19 MFS cases [86], and may suggest different immune-mediated mechanisms.
T472 79876-79965 Sentence denotes However, these results could not be generalized until a wider population would be tested.
T473 79966-80113 Sentence denotes In analogy to classic GBS, approximately one-fifth of COVID-19-associated GBS subjects required mechanical ventilation during hospitalisation [87].
T474 80114-80445 Sentence denotes In this regard, cases with no improvement or unfavorable outcome showed, in comparison to those with a good prognosis, an older age, confirming similar findings both in classic GBS [58, 88] and in COVID-19 [89], and a slightly higher frequency (without reaching a statistical significance) of past or concurrent COVID-19 pneumonia.
T475 80446-80658 Sentence denotes However, given the short follow-up time in most cases, we could not reach a definite conclusion on the impact of past or concurrent COVID-19 restrictive syndrome due to pneumonia on the prognosis of GBS patients.
T476 80659-80719 Sentence denotes Future prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue.
T477 80720-81003 Sentence denotes Moreover, given that also preceding diarrhea (mostly caused by Campylobacter Jejuni infection) is a strong negative prognostic factor in classic GBS [57, 88], further prospective studies are needed to compare the severity of GBS related to COVID-19 to that associated with C. jejuni.
T478 81004-81260 Sentence denotes Finally, in the context of respiratory failure and ventilation associated with COVID-19, the differential diagnosis should always take into consideration critical illness neuropathy and myopathy, which tend to develop later during the critical course [90].
T479 81261-81516 Sentence denotes Despite these findings, approximately one-third of COVID-19-related GBS patients showed no clinical and/or radiological evidence of pneumonia, providing evidence that GBS may also develop in the context of a paucisymptomatic or even asymptomatic COVID-19.
T480 81517-81914 Sentence denotes However, given that among the GBS population only two asymptomatic COVID-19 patients were reported to date, we may speculate that, in most cases, a certain degree of lung injury (even minimal) or at least hematic dissemination (e.g., fever underlying significant viral load) is necessary to trigger the immuno-mediated process through lymphocytic recognition of self-antigens or molecular mimicry.
T481 81915-82095 Sentence denotes Major strengths of our review are the inclusion of a high number of patients, together with an in-depth analysis of the clinical and diagnostic features of COVID-19-associated GBS.
T482 82096-82279 Sentence denotes We are aware that selection bias might have occurred, given that most reported cases to date have been described mostly in Europe (47 out of 73) and during COVID-19 highest spreading.
T483 82280-82439 Sentence denotes Therefore, future extensive epidemiological studies are necessary to ascertain the nature of the association between COVID-19 and GBS (causal or coincidental).
T484 82440-82608 Sentence denotes Moreover, we cannot exclude the possibility that at least some of the cases represent instances of CIDP, given the frequent absence of a follow-up longer than 2 months.
T485 82609-82843 Sentence denotes On another issue, the low but possible evidence of an epidemiological link between vaccines and GBS development [57, 58] should aware the clinicians of the possible occurrence of GBS after COVID-19 vaccination in the long-term future.
T486 82844-83027 Sentence denotes In conclusion, based on the systematic review of 73 cases, we showed that the clinical picture of COVID-19-associated GBS seems to resemble that of classic GBS or Zika-associated GBS.
T487 83028-83230 Sentence denotes Moreover, the chronological evolution, the response to IVIG, and the absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in CSF may suggest a prominent post-infectious immune-mediated mechanism rather than a para-infectious one.
T488 83231-83560 Sentence denotes Although most cases were symptomatic for COVID-19, the preliminary report of a few patients without respiratory or systemic symptoms raises a significant healthcare issue, namely the importance of SARS-CoV-2 testing in all patients with suspected GBS during the pandemic, with the aim to provide an eventual rapid case isolation.
T489 83561-83676 Sentence denotes Nevertheless, only further analyses on more comprehensive cohorts could help in clarifying better all these issues.
T490 83678-83694 Sentence denotes Acknowledgements
T491 83695-83740 Sentence denotes Open Access funding provided by Projekt DEAL.
T492 83741-83826 Sentence denotes This work was in part supported by a COVID-19 grant from the state Baden-Württemberg.
T493 83828-83850 Sentence denotes Authors’ contributions
T494 83851-83931 Sentence denotes Conceptualization: all authors; methodology, formal analysis, and investigation:
T495 83932-84055 Sentence denotes Samir Abu-Rumeileh, Ahmed Abdelhak, and Matteo Foschi; writing—original draft preparation: all authors; figure preparation:
T496 84056-84124 Sentence denotes Matteo Foschi; writing—review and editing: all authors; supervision:
T497 84125-84158 Sentence denotes Markus Otto and Hayrettin Tumani.
T498 84160-84193 Sentence denotes Compliance with ethical standards
T499 84195-84216 Sentence denotes Conflicts of interest
T500 84217-84315 Sentence denotes The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest related to the content of this article.
T501 84317-84333 Sentence denotes Ethical standard
T502 84334-84503 Sentence denotes For the present study, no authorization to an Ethics Committee was asked, because the original reports, nor this work, provided any personal information of the patients.