Prognosis and risk factors of early onset pneumonia in ventilated patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Invasive mechanical ventilation is required in 30% of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and is associated with pneumonia and increased mortality. Our objective was to determine the incidence, characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors of pneumonia in GBS patients receiving mechanical ventilation.


METHODS
Study of a prospective database in an intensive care unit of a university hospital.


METHODS
The study included 81 patients who required intubation for GBS. Neurological findings, vital capacity, and signs of respiratory distress were recorded at admission and at intubation. A score predicting the risk of intubation (0-4) was calculated for each patient. Pneumonia was diagnosed based on predefined criteria and retrospectively confirmed by two observers. Early-onset pneumonia was defined as pneumonia diagnosed within 5 days after intubation.


RESULTS
Mean vital capacity was 57 +/- 22% of predicted at admission and 33 +/- 11% at intubation. Pneumonia developed in 63 patients (78%), including 48 with early-onset pneumonia. Bacteria were consistent with aspiration. Of the 63 patients with pneumonia 11 (18%) had septic shock, 6 (10%) had acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 9 (14%) died. In the univariate analysis milder weakness, a lower risk of intubation (score < 2), and time from admission to intubation longer than 2 days were associated with early-onset pneumonia. Time from admission to intubation was the only independent predictor in the multivariate logistic regression model.


CONCLUSIONS
Early-onset pneumonia is a common and severe complication that is related to aspiration in patients with GBS. Delaying intubation may increase the risk of early-onset pneumonia.
Orlikowski
David
D
Medical Intensive Care Unit, Raymond Poincaré Teaching Hospital, 104 Boulevard Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France.
Sharshar
Tarek
T
Porcher
Raphael
R
Annane
Djillali
D
Raphael
Jean Claude
JC
Clair
Bernard
B
D018806:APACHE; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors