Vadodara Hospitals Witness Alarming Rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases
Hospitals in Vadodara have reported at least a dozen cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder, over the past two months. Medical professionals have flagged a noticeable increase in admissions from the city and surrounding districts of central Gujarat, raising concerns among healthcare authorities and families alike.
Severe Cases Requiring Intensive Care
A nine-year-old boy is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kashiben Gordhandas Patel Children Hospital (KGPCH), where doctors indicate that several patients require prolonged hospitalisation and ventilator support. Families are grappling with extended recovery periods and substantial treatment expenses, despite the condition typically not being life-threatening in most instances.
"My son developed a runny nose on January 3 and was unable to stand on his own the following day," shared Mosit Sheikh, the boy's father. "We rushed him to KGPCH, where he was diagnosed with GBS and has been in the ICU for the past 20 days." He revealed that the family has already spent over Rs 3 lakh on treatment, highlighting the financial burden faced by affected households.
Hospital Data Reveals Clear Pattern
Hospital statistics point to a distinct upward trend in GBS cases. KGPCH admitted five GBS patients this month, with one discharged and four remaining hospitalised. The state-run SSG Hospital (SSGH) reported seven cases in December and six more this month until Thursday, compared to just one case in October and two in November. Prior to December, the highest number of cases reported in a month at SSGH was four in September.
Medical Experts Weigh In
Former head of the department of paediatrics at SSGH, Dr Sheila Aiyer, confirmed there has been a definite increase in GBS cases, alongside improved diagnostic capabilities. While the exact cause remains unclear, she noted that cases were reported among Covid-19 patients and increased significantly in the post-pandemic period. Dr Aiyer also highlighted that Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance conducted for polio has facilitated earlier detection of GBS cases.
Intensivist at KGPCH, Dr Dhairya Gandhi, mentioned that the hospital is receiving referrals not only from Vadodara but also from Panchmahal, Dahod, and other districts, indicating a wider regional impact.
Treatment Challenges and Costs
Doctors explained that treatment involves administering Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) during the initial phase, which is notably expensive. "For a child weighing around 20 kg, the injections cost between Rs 60,000 and Rs 80,000, and the cost varies with the patient's weight," Dr Gandhi added. This financial aspect adds another layer of difficulty for families already dealing with the emotional and physical toll of the disorder.
The situation in Vadodara underscores the need for heightened awareness, better diagnostic infrastructure, and potentially more affordable treatment options for rare autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
