What is an abnormal finding that may occur in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

In Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a notable abnormal finding in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the presence of high protein levels, a condition known as albuminocytologic dissociation. In this syndrome, although the protein levels in the CSF are elevated, the white blood cell count remains relatively normal, indicating that while there is inflammation or damage to the nerve roots, there is not a significant immune cell response occurring in the CSF.

This characteristic of elevated protein levels with a normal cell count is significant in diagnosing GBS and differentiating it from other neurological disorders that may also involve the CSF. High protein levels are attributed to the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier and increased permeability, which is a key pathological change in GBS. Thus, the identification of high protein levels in CSF analysis aligns well with the clinical presentation of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, aiding in its diagnosis.