Article

OBJECTIVE: To use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF) to describe and compare patient-reported disability in
Guillain-Barre syndrome survivors and persons with multiple sclerosis, and to
identify relevant environmental factors. METHODS:
Cross-sectional survey of 77
survivors of Guillain-Barre syndrome in the community.
Their Guillain-Barre
syndrome-related problems were linked with ICF categories (second level) using an
open-ended questionnaire, consensus between health professionals and the "linking
rules", and compared with similar data collected previously for 101 persons with
multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: Guillain-Barre syndrome survivors were male (59%)
and older than persons with multiple sclerosis (mean age 55 vs 49 years). Of 170
ICF categories, 113 were relevant for Guillain-Barre syndrome survivors (mean
number 30 vs 18 for persons with multiple sclerosis). The linked categories for
Guillain-Barre syndrome included: body function 27 (56%) compared with 48 (42%)
for persons with multiple sclerosis; body structure 11 (68%) vs 16 (34%);
activities and participation 48 (70%) and 68 (58%); and for environmental factors
27 (71%) compared with 38 (51%) for persons with multiple sclerosis. The main
areas linked in the activities and participation domain were mobility, major life
areas and interpersonal relationships; and environmental factors included support
and relationships, attitudes and products and technology. CONCLUSION: This is the
first study to use ICF in Guillain-Barre syndrome survivors and towards
development of the ICF Core Set for Guillain-Barre syndrome from a broader
international perspective.

Langue : ANGLAIS