Guillain-Barre syndrome and influenza vaccines: current evidence
Open Access
- 1 August 2019
- review article
- Vol. 32 (4), 288-295
Abstract
Purpose. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a consequence of influenza vaccination is a relevant topic, yet to be clarified, which raises concern both amongst health care personnel and the general population. Every study and pharmacovigilance system point to need of further research and the importance of continuous monitoring of safety regarding influenza vaccines. The aim of the present study is to investigate the publication of new data since the realisation of our meta-analysis of GBS and influenza vaccines (published in 2015). Methods. A systematic revision of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Knowledge (WOS) databases has been carried out. These report observational studies assessing GBS risk after the administration of influenza vaccines from May 2014 up to July 20th, 2017. Results. The research yielded 107 articles. Only three studies met established inclusion criteria and referred to an estimation GBS risk after some influenza vaccine. Two studies investigated GBS risk by the pandemic A/H1N1 vaccine, while only one looked into season vaccines. Conclusions. The present systematic review, conducted after the publication of our previous meta-analysis, seems to confirm its previous results. Therefore, GBS should be considered an infrequent adverse effect of influenza vaccination, which should not negatively influence its acceptance. Unfortunately, very few of the systematically surveyed studies meeting inclusion criteria. This fact sharply contrasts with the current consensus as to the need of continuously monitoring the safety of influenza vaccines.Keywords
This publication has 57 references indexed in Scilit:
- Near real-time surveillance for Guillain-Barré syndrome after influenza vaccination among the Medicare population, 2010/11 to 2013/14Vaccine, 2017
- A Multicentric Prospective Incidence Study of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Italy. The ITANG StudyNeuroepidemiology, 2015
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Influenza, and Influenza Vaccination: The Epidemiologic EvidenceClinical Infectious Diseases, 2014
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome Incidence in a Large United States Cohort (2000–2009)Neuroepidemiology, 2012
- Guillain–Barré SyndromeThe New England Journal of Medicine, 2012
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Modern Theories of EtiologyCurrent Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2011
- Population Incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNeuroepidemiology, 2011
- Investigation of the Temporal Association of Guillain-Barre Syndrome With Influenza Vaccine and Influenzalike Illness Using the United Kingdom General Practice Research DatabaseAmerican Journal of Epidemiology, 2008
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Preceding Infection with Campylobacter, Influenza and Epstein-Barr Virus in the General Practice Research DatabasePLOS ONE, 2007
- Influenza,CampylobacterandMycoplasmaInfections, and Hospital Admissions for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, EnglandEmerging Infectious Diseases, 2006