Epidemiology of Guillain-Barre syndrome in Peru

Abstract

Objective. To describe the epidemiological behavior of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Peru. Materials and Methods. Descriptive study of secondary data on the Ministry of Health (MINSA) hospital discharges during the period 2012-2017; EsSalud and SuSalud hospital discharges between 2015 and 2017; and national mortality data between 2014-2016. The identification of GBS in the databases was carried out using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version, by means of code G610. Incidence, fatality rate, and mortality were estimated by age, sex, and department group. Results. A total of 955 cases of GBS were identified in the database of MINSA hospital discharges between 2012 and 2017, with a higher frequency in men, within the 20 to 59-year old population. The national incidence of GBS per 100,000 inhabitants was 0.62 (2015), 0.92 (2016), and 0.91 (2017), being higher in older adults and in men. The overall case fatality rate was 3.5%, and was highest in those over 60. The average length of hospitalization was 16 ± 22 days. In addition, Lima is the department that accounted for more than 40% of all GBS cases; and Cusco, Lima, Callao, Lambayeque, and Arequipa had the highest incidence. Conclusions. This study provides relevant information to better understand the epidemiological behavior of GBS in Peru, and thus ensure adequate patient care nationally.