Influence of regional and socioeconomic factors on mortality due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Brazil (2017-2024)

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation of peripheral nerves and destruction of the myelin sheath, a structure essential for efficient nerve impulse conduction. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive approach to analyze the influence of regional and socioeconomic factors on mortality caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Brazil from 2017 to 2024. The research relied exclusively on secondary data obtained from widely recognized public databases, such as the Mortality Information System (SIM) and DATASUS, both maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results: Between 2017 and 2024, 1,751 deaths due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) were recorded. There was a predominance of males (62.3%), with the highest concentration of deaths in the Southeast region (46.03%). Furthermore, 53.45% of deaths occurred among white individuals, and the age group most affected was 60 to 79 years. Conclusion: Data analysis revealed that factors such as unequal access to healthcare services, the distribution of medical infrastructure, and social determinants directly influence mortality rates for this neurological condition. Men, older adults, and white individuals were the most affected, with the Southeast concentrating the largest number of deaths, reflecting both higher population density and reporting capacity, as well as possible gaps in healthcare in other regions such as the North and Northeast.