Abstract: Introduction: The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological, paraclinical and clinical profile of Guillain-Barré
syndrome (GBS) in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter,
descriptive study of the records of patients hospitalized for GBS in 3 Ouagadougou University Hospitals for a period of 16 years, from
March 2003 to May 2018. Included in the study were the records of patients aged ≥ 16 years who were hospitalized for GBS during the
study period, according to the modified Brighton diagnostic criteria. Patients who were HIV-positive or had cytorachy 10 elements/mm3
were not included. Socio-demographic, climatic, clinical variables, Electroneuromyography (ENMG) data, cerebro spinal fluid (CSF)
examination and evolution were studied. The intra-hospital clinical course of patients was assessed according to the Guillain-Barré
Disability Scale (GBDS). Results: A total of 49 cases of GBS were hospitalized. The average age was 36 years, with a predominance of
females (51%) and during the cold dry season (40.8%). In the state phase, all patients had a motor deficit of all 4 limbs and 15 patients
(30.6%) had dysautonomia. The mean durations of the extension and plateau phases were 10 days and 19 days respectively. At the
ENMG, the axonal form (71.4%) predominated. Pulmonary infection (36.7%), exacerbation of hypertension (32.6%) and electrolyte
disorders (23%) were the most frequently encountered intra-hospital complications. Intra-hospital mortality was 18.4%. Among the
survivors, 30% were confined to a wheelchair with or without respiratory assistance. After univariate analysis, intra-hospital infectious
complications (p=0.04), exposure to mechanical ventilation (p=0.05) and severe clinical presentations (p=0.005) were the variables
significantly influencing intra-hospital mortality. Conclusion: GBS affects more often young patients, occurs more frequently in the
cold dry season. It is characterized by a late hospitalization of the patients, a predominant axonal damage. Early admission of patients,
early use of quality intensive care units, availability of Polyvalent Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, will significantly
improve the prognosis of GBS in Burkina Faso and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Dysautonomy, Cold Dry Season, Mortality