Systemic lupus erythematous with recurrent Guillain -Barré-like syndrome treated with intravenous immunoglobulins

We report on an unusual case of a young African male with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed an acute, severe Guillain-Barré-like peripheral neuropathy associated with ascites. The illness appeared to respond dramatically to a short course of intravenous immunoglobulins. Eight months later he had recurrence of identical features. He required respiratory support. On this occasion there was no response to intravenous immunoglobulins or other measures and he died of sepsis after a protracted period of paralysis.