Risk factors for respiratory failure among hospitalized patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome

Abstract Background Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that can lead to respiratory failure. In this study, we evaluate early clinical risk factors for respiratory failure at the time of hospital admission. Methods We studied a retrospective cohort of patients with GBS admitted to a tertiary care center. The potential risk factors studied were sociodemographic characteristics, GBS symptoms, overall and cervical muscle weakness (Medical Research Council [MRC] scores), electromyography findings, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis findings. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated and exact logistic regression analysis (adjusted OR) performed to assess the association between baseline risk factors and respiratory failure. Results Overall, 13 of 113 (12%) patients included in the study developed respiratory failure. Unadjusted analyses showed that involvement of any cranial nerve (OR: 14.7; 95% CI, 1.8–117.1), facial palsy (OR: 17.3; 95% CI, 2.2–138.0), and bulbar weakness (OR: 10.7; 95% CI, 2.3–50.0) were associated with increased risk of respiratory failure. Lower MRC sum scores (for scores 3) were independently associated with respiratory failure. Conclusions Bulbar and neck muscle weakness at admission are clinical predictors of increased risk of respiratory failure in patients with GBS. These findings could guide the adequate management of high-risk patients.