UNE alum, faculty member publish article about Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Sarah Kou presents her research at the APTA NEXT Conference in National Harbor, Maryland
Sarah Kou presents her research at the APTA NEXT Conference in National Harbor, Maryland

Sarah Kou, P.T., D.P.T. ’15, recently published an article in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy along with Amy Litterini, P.T., D.P.T., assistant clinical professor in the University of New England’s Department of Physical Therapy. The article, titled, “Physical Therapy Management of a Patient With Guillain-Barré Syndrome During and After Pregnancy: A Case Report,” was developed as a result of D.P.T. coursework at UNE.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, is estimated to affect 1 to 2 people per 100,000 annually. The cause of GBS is still unknown, with suspicions of viral or bacterial infection preceding diagnosis. Initial presentation of GBS usually begins with distal, relatively symmetrical, onset of paresthesia, quickly followed by progressive limb weakness.

Considering the rarity of the condition in the general population, there is very limited literature on Guillain-Barré Syndrome during pregnancy. This case report presented a unique opportunity to document both the prenatal and the post-partum presentation of a patient experiencing this debilitating neurological phenomenon. 

Read more about the case report.