From Paralyzed to Prosperous: A Vietnamese Man’s Fight Against Guillain Barre Syndrome with Plasma Exchange Treatment

A man from Quang Ngai, Mr. Truong Quang Quyt, suffered from complete paralysis due to Guillain Barre syndrome. At 50 years old, he was brought to the Quang Ngai Provincial General Hospital on March 27 with symptoms of paralysis and loss of feeling in his entire body, along with difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. These signs had begun the night before and quickly progressed, leading to a diagnosis of Guillain Barre syndrome through tests.

Guillain Barre syndrome is a condition where the immune system attacks nerves, causing muscle paralysis. The most dangerous complication of this condition is respiratory muscle paralysis. Mr. Quyt was at high risk of respiratory paralysis, so doctors prescribed plasma exchange as a treatment. After six sessions, his condition improved significantly, allowing him to speak normally and engage in light exercise. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.

Dr. Tran Khac Vinh, the Head of the Intensive Care – Poison Control Department at the hospital, highlighted Mr. Quyt’s quick progression into complete paralysis within 12 hours, making his case quite exceptional. Plasma exchange was deemed the optimal treatment to prevent respiratory paralysis complications and promote a swift recovery for Mr. Quyt. This technique has been successful in treating various autoimmune diseases at the hospital.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome affects around 0.8-1.9 cases per 100,000 people globally each year, with symptoms including numbness in fingers and toes that spread throughout the body, posing challenges in eye, facial, speech