Autonomic dysfunction in the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Hemodynamic and neurobiochemical studies.

In 12 patients suffering from the Guillain-Barré syndrome, with autonomic dysfunction, a hemodynamic study was performed and biological counts of neurotransmitter metabolites were repeatedly taken in the urine, the plasma and the lumber cerebrospinal fluid. In the course of the Guillain-Barré syndrome with autonomic dysfunction the changes in hemodynamic indices suggest a state of sympathetic hyperactivity. There is an increase in cerebrospinal neurotransmitter metabolite levels with an increase in central cathecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity. The findings point to an interference of central structures in the sympathetic hyperactivity observed.