OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome following influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. CASE DESCRIPTION: A four-year-old boy presented right thigh pain and ascending muscular weakness 15 days after the second dose of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. The neurological examination revealed tetraparesis and areflexia. Electroneuromyography showed lower velocity and conduction blockage with small secondary axonal loss. Treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient reached a plateau in the 4th day, followed by progressive muscular strength improvement. COMMENTS: The employment of large-scale influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccination and the preliminary reports from the American Surveillance Program suggest a significant association between Guillain-Barré syndrome and influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccination. All suspected cases of this association should be published for further evaluation. Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent serious illness and death related to influenza.
influenza vaccines; adverse effects; Guillain-Barre syndrome; influenza; prevention & control
