Prognostic factors of mechanical ventilation in Guillain-Barré syndrome among adults and children in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE

Numerous studies have investigated predictors for mechanical ventilation (MV) in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), with varying results. This study identifies factors associated with MV in both populations in Vietnam.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on GBS patients at Children's Hospital 2 and the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from 2017 to 2021. Clinical characteristics were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of MV. A bootstrapping stepwise approach was used to select the most appropriate predictors for the model.

RESULTS

A total of 108 adults and 112 children were included, with 15 adults (13.8 %) and 10 children (8.9 %) requiring MV. Dysautonomia and facial palsy/bulbar weakness were more common in ventilated patients (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis identified dysautonomia as the only significant predictor for MV in both adults (OR: 7.43, 95 % CI: 1.78-30.98) and children (OR: 13.6, 95 % CI: 1.20-154.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysautonomia is a significant predictor of MV in adults and children with GBS. Although facial palsy and bulbar weakness were not statistically significant predictors, their presence warrants careful monitoring.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides insights into GBS in Vietnam and underscores dysautonomia as a predictor for MV, distinguishing it from findings in previous prognostic models.