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Semin Neurol 2001; 21(4): 399-406
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-19411
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Pearls and Pitfalls in the Intensive Care Management of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Julio A. Chalela
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 January 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Approximately one third of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) need to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of respiratory failure. A significant proportion of patients require ICU admission because of dysautonomia or because of medical or iatrogenic complications. Recognition of the clinical manifestations and the paraclinical findings in patients with neuromuscular respiratory failure is essential to ensure mechanical ventilation promptly. In the ICU, attention to positioning, nutrition, analgesia, and psychological support are crucial. Recognition of autonomic dysfunction and of the rare need for intervention is important to avoid iatrogenic complications. Prognosis determination in GBS is based on the clinical history, epidemiological factors, and neurologic examination.

KEYWORD

Guillain-Barré - syndrome - intensive care - management - complications - neuromuscular respiratory failure

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