Abstract
Background. Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) is a serious neurological condition characterized by sudden paralysis or weakness in limbs or respiratory muscles, associated with infections, immune disorders, or toxins. Identifying regional etiological patterns is clinically vital.
Methods. This retrospective descriptive-analytical study analyzed records of 20 children under 15 years with AFP at Tabriz Children's Hospital in 2024–2025. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were assessed.
Results. The mean age of patients was 7.55±3.48 years, and 60% were male. Common symptoms included muscle weakness, gait impairment, tingling, and pain. Predisposing factors, mainly fever or infection, were present in 85% of the patients. EDX indicated neuropathy in 70%, while spinal MRI revealed abnormalities in 2 cases. Guillain-Barré syndrome (50%) was the predominant cause. Treatments comprised IVIG/methylprednisolone (60%), combination therapy (30%), and botulinum antitoxin (10%). Outcomes included complete recovery (85%), partial recovery (10%), or none (5%).
Conclusion. Guillain-Barré was the leading cause of AFP. MRI variations may reflect etiological diversity. Etiology-specific treatments showed efficacy. No cases of polio were observed, underscoring vaccination success.
Practical Implications. Incorporating molecular methods (e.g., PCR) for pathogen detection and systematic evaluation of IVIG, plasmapheresis, and corticosteroids could enhance diagnostic-therapeutic precision and improve outcomes.