Pune: A 60-year-old patient undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Navi Peth was reported to have died from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) on January 31. However, an expert review by the Death Audit Committee has revealed that GBS was not the cause of death, contradicting the hospital’s initial diagnosis.
This discrepancy has raised concerns in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department, as the death had already been recorded under GBS-related fatalities. Officials are now deliberating on how to rectify the official records.
Medical History of the Patient
The patient, who resided near DSK Vishva in Dhayari, had initially experienced diarrhea on January 23, followed by weakness in both legs on January 25. He was first admitted to a local private hospital and later transferred to a Navi Peth hospital on January 27, where he was found to be unconscious and partially paralyzed.
His condition required him to be placed on a ventilator, and he was administered IVIG therapy and other medical interventions. On January 31, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.
Since he exhibited GBS-like symptoms, the hospital diagnosed him with GBS. However, the death certificate also listed other conditions, including Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis (a rare neurological disorder), GBS, asthma, and diabetes, as contributing factors.
Death Audit Committee Findings
As per government guidelines, a Death Audit Committee was formed to verify GBS-related fatalities.
The committee reviewed five reported GBS deaths, including the January 31 case.
After examining medical records, the experts determined that the patient did not have GBS and had died due to other complications.
Challenges in GBS Diagnosis
There is no single definitive test to diagnose GBS.
Diagnosis is often based on neurological symptoms, nerve conduction studies (NCV), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels.
In many cases, GBS is diagnosed based only on symptoms, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.
The government has yet to issue clear diagnostic guidelines for GBS-related cases, adding to the confusion.
A senior official from the PMC Health Department stated: "Although the patient had GBS-like symptoms, the expert committee has confirmed that he did not have GBS. The records indicate that he died due to other medical complications. Discussions are ongoing on how to update the official death records accordingly."
