title: R-R variations in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a test of autonomic dysfunction.
abstract: As we have earlier shown, variations in the R-R interval of the ECG can be used as a measure of autonomic function. This test was applied to 6 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome at different times during the course of the disease. Severe but temporary impairment of autonomic function was found, which was maximal at 2-6 weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms and gradually improved to normal levels over a period of 3-18 months. This paralleled clinical recovery. The results suggest that this test of R-R variations is a reliable method for establishing and following an autonomic dysfunction in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000294:innervation; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009431:Neural Conduction; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000503:physiopathology*