Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy and Functional Outcomes in Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of Muscle Power and Hughes Scores

Objectives Acute autoimmune neuropathy known as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) can result in significant muscle weakness and paralysis. Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a common treatment, more research is needed to determine how it affects functional recovery at various intervals. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of IVIG therapy in improving muscle power and Hughes disability scores in GBS patients over time. Material and Methods Over the course of 12 months, 50 patients with GBS diagnoses at a Tamil Nadu multispecialty hospital were included in this retrospective observational study. Nerve conduction testing and clinical examination were used to confirm the diagnosis. Sociodemographic information, comorbidities, Hughes disability scores before and after therapy, and Medical Research Council (MRC) muscular strength evaluations were gathered. The pre- and post-IVIG scores were compared using paired t-tests. Results Significant improvements were observed in both Hughes disability scores and MRC muscle power following IVIG therapy. The mean Hughes disability score decreased from 3.06–2.38 ( p <0.001). MRC muscle power scores showed significant increases across all limbs, with right upper limb power improving from 3.32–4.12 ( p <0.001) and right lower limb power increasing from 2.80–3.88 ( p <0.001). The greatest improvements occurred within the first two weeks post-treatment. Conclusion IVIG therapy significantly improved muscle strength and functional outcomes in GBS patients, with early intervention yielding the most benefit. These findings emphasise the importance of timely IVIG administration for better recovery. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and optimise treatment protocols.