title: Guillain-Barré Syndrome: incidence, management and outcome of major complications.
abstract: From October 1970 to March 1980, 33 patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) were treated at the Royal Newcastle Hospital (RNH). One patient died and 2 made incomplete neurological recoveries. This study shows that although GBS is an uncommon disease, a significant number (28%) of patients have a severe form of the illness that results in acute respiratory failure and frequently requires artificial ventilation (AV). This latter group of patients have a high incidence of major complications. Methods of reducing the incidence of these complications are suggested.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin