Guillain-Barré syndrome with associated thrombocytopenia: prompt response to combined corticosteroid and immunoglobulin treatment.
We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, associated at its presentation with thrombocytopenia, in a 50-year-old woman. She was treated with immunoglobulin, and short-term corticosteroids for thrombocytopenia. In spite of the severe presentation we observed a very good and rapid recovery, which could have been determined by the therapeutic association. The incidence of thrombocytopenia in GBS patients could be underestimated, and should be kept in mind in order to avoid hemorrhagic complications.
Corbanese
U
U
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale S. Maria dei Battuti, Conegliano, Italy. odysseus@tmn.it
Martinuzzi
A
A
Possamai
C
C
Romeo
G
G
Possamai
G
G
Trubian
L
L
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007385:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015300:Ventilator Weaning; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone