title: A longitudinal cardiovascular autonomic function study in mild Guillain-Barré syndrome.
abstract: To identify subclinical autonomic dysfunction in mild Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a set of autonomic function tests was serially performed for up to 6 months in 5 GBS patients with mild disability at the nadir. Parasympathetic autonomic function tests consisted of Valsalva ratio and R-R interval variation during rest and deep breathing. Sympathetic autonomic function was evaluated by blood pressure responses to sustained handgrip, hand immersion in ice water, and active standing. The results showed that abnormal parasympathetic and sympathetic function was frequently encountered in all 5 patients during the acute stage of the illness. Autonomic dysfunction occurred both in axonal and demyelinating types of GBS. There was a trend of improvement in most autonomic function tests after 3 months, comparable to the recovery of motor function. In conclusion, subclinical autonomic dysfunction was present in mild GBS. It was temporary and would resolve spontaneously.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taipei, Taiwan. lyu5172@adm.cgmh.org.tw
authors.forename: Rong-Kuo
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Lyu
authors.forename: Lok-Ming
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Wen-Chuin
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Sien-Tsong
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hong-Shiu
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Yih-Ru
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination