Frequency of Urinary Retention in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Patients: Urinary Retention in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Patients

Atta Rasool; Wasim Wali Muhammad; Fawad Ahmad; Mahwish Mustafa; Fiza Wali; Tahir Khan

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3593

Authors

Atta Rasool Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Wasim Wali Muhammad Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Fawad Ahmad Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Mahwish Mustafa Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Fiza Wali Ripha International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tahir Khan Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3593

Keywords:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Autonomic Dysfunction, Urinary Retention, Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

The Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune polyneuropathy that can also have autonomic dysfunction, which leads to complications like urinary retention. These autonomic disorders should be identified early to reduce morbidity and avoid secondary complications, and improve patient outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of urinary retention among GBS patients. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involves 129 patients diagnosed with GBS from 18 July 2025- 18 October 2025 at the Department of Neurology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital. Information on age, gender, body mass index, and disease severity was determined using the Hughes Functional Grading Scale. The presence of urinary retention was determined clinically. Chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to determine significant associations, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 129 patients were included with a mean age of 57.2 ± 17.3 years, predominantly females comprising 58.1%. The mean BMI was 30.2 ± 3.5 kg/m². Urinary retention was observed in 13 (10.4%) patients and is significantly more common among older patients (mean age 67.1 ± 8.9 years, p=0.02) and those with severe disease (p=0.01). No significant associations were found with gender (p=0.34), BMI (p=0.21), or area of residence (p=0.42). Conclusions: Urinary retention is a notable autonomic manifestation in GBS, particularly among older and severely affected patients. Early detection and management can help prevent urinary complications and reduce the duration of hospital stays.

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