# Guillain–Barre Syndrome in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Series

## TL;DR

This paper reports four cases of Guillain–Barre Syndrome in adults with cystic fibrosis, highlighting the rare but severe neurological complications in this patient group.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting multiple cases of GBS in CF patients and exploring potential links to chronic inflammation and CFTR dysfunction.

## Key findings

- Four adult CF patients developed Guillain–Barre Syndrome.
- GBS in CF patients may be linked to chronic inflammation or dysfunctional CFTR protein.
- GBS has a particularly detrimental impact in CF patients due to pre-existing lung and metabolic issues.

## Abstract

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) typically experience chronic respiratory infections, but neurological sequelae are rare. Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) is classically precipitated by a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, although other rarer aetiologies exist. This case series outlines four adults with CF who developed GBS. The association with acute and chronic respiratory infections in people with CF is explored, as well as other potential precipitants. An autoimmune phenomenon in the context of chronic systemic inflammation or a possible contributory role of dysfunctional CFTR protein is also considered.

We present four cases of Guillain–Barre Syndrome in adult patients with cystic fibrosis. We highlight the particularly detrimental impact that can occur in a population of patients with chronic underlying suppurative airway disease, impaired lung function and metabolic dysregulation.