Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

It was performed a descriptive and retrospective study of patients with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome which were hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit  of the University Hospital "Carlos Manuel de Cespedes" from January 1^st, 2005 to December 31, 2008, with the aim of identifying the present clinical and epidemiological aspects. 28 patients were included, 53.6% between 30 and 44 years old and 64.3% of the male sex. The 50.0% of them presented antecedents of upper respiratory tract infection. The predominant motor symptoms were the capture of upper and lower extremities with 11 cases (39.3%). The treatment with Intaglobín was implemented in 19 patients (67.9%). The complications were presented by 42.9%.  35.7% needed mechanical ventilation and 57.1 % had to stay 15 days or more at the hospital. The majority of cases graduated alive without motor sequels of the service (60.7%). It was concluded that the disease predominated in young male patients. The antecedents of upper respiratory infections, motor symptoms and treatment were more common with Intaglobín. Acute respiratory failure and bacterial-bronchopneumonia were predominant complications. The majority of cases graduated alive without motor sequels, although the stay was prolonged in them.