[S-27] Current topics in Guillain-Barré syndrome - from pathophysiology to clinical features

[S-27-1] Recent advances of anti-glycolipid antibody research in GBS

Hugh Willison (University of Glasgow, Scotland)

This symposium is designed to introduce novel international studies of clinical and basic research from leading laboratories as well as to discuss current topics in the field of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) which has been just accomplished is a worldwide prospective, collaborative study of GBS, results of which will be global standards and provide evidence about a new clinical guideline of GBS. In addition, recently-reported new observations of antibody-mediated pathophysiology in GBS are expected to improve diagnostic approach, change the concept of electrophysiological categories, and develop promising immunotherapies and treatment strategy. This symposium will stimulate neurologists to absorb such novel knowledge and to put it to a practical use without regard to their specialty.

Professor Hugh J. Willison directs the Neuroimmunology Research Group at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He also practices clinical neurology and directs a routine Diagnostic Neuroimmunology service within the South Glasgow University Hospitals. He has a specialist clinical interest in the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune peripheral nerve disorders. His research on autoimmune neuropathy involves pathogenesis studies and novel treatment strategies for the severe paralytic disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, which was first described 100 years ago, in 1916. He teaches widely, being a founding board member and co-director of the European School of Neuroimmunology (http://www.esni.isniweb.org/) which recently expanded to organise teaching courses worldwide. In 2015, he was awarded the Alan J Gebhart Prize for Excellence in Peripheral Nerve Research by the Peripheral Nerve Society. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His research is principally funded by the Wellcome Trust and the European Union. He collaborates widely with colleagues throughout the world.
For further details: http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/staff/hughwillison/
A free pdf version of The GBS 100 Centenary Book can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9mb8tbaf4j8mtx9/AAAbQl9ATMnoHci-1s7_HNKOa?dl=0