THE FACTS
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acute disease of the nervous system in which the nerves in the arms and legs stop working and become inflamed.
Around 1500 cases are diagnosed in the UK every year and 80 per cent off sufferers make a full recovery after around a year.
However, some patients never recover fully and the illness can return with more serious symptoms.
One of the most high profile sufferers was Liverpool FC's German international Markus Babbel, who spent 18 months fighting the disease.
He feared he would be paralysed for life but recovered to play again for the Anfield outfit, as well as Blackburn Rovers and VfB Stuttgart.
The cause of GBS is still the subject of much research, but infections or cases of stress may trigger an incorrect response in the immune system which attacks the nerves.
This article: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1080022007
Guillain Barre Sindroom
Brokkies/Tidbits
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/polygam-s-d-igiv.html
What is IGIV?
Immune globulin for intravenous administration (IGIV) is a sterilized solution obtained from pooled human blood. It contains the immunoglobulins (or antibodies) to protect against infectious agents that cause various diseases. Antibodies are substances in the blood that fight infections.
IGIV is used to reduce the risk of infection in individuals with poorly functioning immune systems such as those with HIV infection, hereditary immunodeficiency syndromes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and following bone marrow transplantation. IGIV is also used to increase platelet counts in individuals with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to prevent coronary artery aneurysms (weakening of the main artery in the heart) associated with Kawasaki syndrome.
IGIV may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
