Predictors of respiratory failure in Guillain−Barré syndrome: a 22 year cohort study from a single Italian centre

• Published in: European journal of neurology 2024-01, Vol.31 (1), p.e16090-n/a
• Main Authors: Galassi, Giuliana, Mazzoli, Marco, Ariatti, Alessandra, Bedin, Roberta, Marzullo, Donato, Bastia, Elisabetta, Agnoletto, Virginia, Gozzi, Manuela, Valzania, Franco, Meletti, Stefano, Marchioni, Alessandro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autonomic nervous system; Cerebrospinal fluid; Comorbidity; Dysautonomia; Failure; Guillain-Barre syndrome; Guillain−Barré syndrome; internal calibration; Mechanical ventilation; Nerve conduction; Neurology; Ostomy; Regression analysis; Respiratory failure; Sensorimotor system; Serology; Tracheostomy; Tracheotomy; Ventilation; Weaning
• ISSN: 1351-5101; 1468-1331; 1468-1331
• DOI: 10.1111/ene.16090

Background and purpose The study aimed to identify predictors of respiratory failure leading to mechanical ventilation (MV) and tracheostomy in Guillain−Barré syndrome (GBS). Methods Two hundred and thirty adult cases admitted to the Neurology Unit of Modena, Italy, between January 2000 and December 2021 were studied. A cut‐off of MV starting within 8 weeks from onset of weakness was used. Univariable, multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to determine which pre‐specified clinical and diagnostic characteristics were capable of predicting MV and tracheostomy, due to weaning failure. The model was internally validated within the full cohort. The Erasmus GBS Respiratory Insufficiency Score was retrospectively applied. Results One hundred and seventy‐six cases (76.5%) were classified as classical sensorimotor GBS and 54 (23.4%) as variants. Thirty‐two patients (13.9%) needed MV: 84.3% required respiratory support within 7 days. Independent predictors of respiratory failure and MV were older age, facial, bulbar, neck flexor weakness, dysautonomia, axonal electrophysiological subtype, cardiovascular comorbidities and higher disability score at entry. There was no association with abnormal spinal fluid parameters nor with positive serology for recent infections. Twenty‐two patients (68.7%) were ventilated for more than 7 days; 4.7% died within 8 weeks. The patients who required MV were treated more often with plasma exchange. Independent predictors of tracheostomy due to weaning trial failure were facial, bulbar, neck flexor weakness, autonomic dysfunction, associated cardiovascular morbidities and axonal electrophysiological subtype on nerve conduction study. Conclusions Our study indicates distinct predictors of MV and tracheostomy in GBS patients.