does anyone know what a GBS is?

Answer 1

This stands for Guillain Barre Syndrome. You can read more about it here
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/guillain-barre-syndrome/DS00413

Answer 2

Guillain-Barré syndrome ??

GBS is an acute, autoimmune, polyradiculoneuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment with immunoglobulins and supportive care, majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and dysautonomia are present.

Answer 3

GBS stands for Group B Streptococcus. It is mainly important for pregnant women. Lots of people are colonized with GBS, but it doesn't cause disease in them. However, if a newborn is exposed to the GBS in the vaginal canal of the mother during birth, it can cause serious disease including sepsis and meningitis. However it is simple to treat. Therefore, all pregnant women near their due date are tested for colonization. If they are positive, they will receive antibiotics to clear the bacteria (usually penicillin unless there is an allergy), and the baby will not be exposed it.

Answer 4

Group B Streptococcal Disease, maybe??

It's a bacteria which is the most common cause of sepsis (overwhelming infection of the blood) in newborns. It also affects the elderly, immunocompromised, etc. It's a normal member of the bacteria in your gut (and the female urogenital tract, interestingly enough), but when it gets out, it can cause some nasty infections.

EDIT: oh, guillan-barre, I didn't even think of that. Hehe, there are too many acronyms in medicine...

Answer 5

GBS is an immune mediated nerve disorder characterized by muscle weakness, unsteady gait, numbness, tingling, pain and sometimes paralysis of one or more limbs or the face.