Document Detail


Respiratory complications of rapidly progressive neuromuscular syndromes: Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16088614     Owner:  NLM     Status:  PubMed-not-MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Neuromuscular respiratory failure is a common complication of both the Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Several key pathophysiological mechanisms contribute to the spiral of respiratory insufficiency in these diseases, including inspiratory, expiratory, and bulbar muscle weakness. It is important to identify patients with impending respiratory failure early to avoid emergency intubations. Several clinical features and bedside pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are useful in guiding decisions about intubation. Weaning is initiated when respiratory muscles have recovered sufficiently, and again, PFT criteria are helpful. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis are the cornerstones of specific therapy for both illnesses when complicated by respiratory failure. Mortality and morbidity are dramatically increased by respiratory failure and are mainly due to associated medical complications. Optimal outcomes depend on avoidance of these and prompt implementation of immunomodulatory therapy.
Authors:
Dileep R Yavagal; Stephan A Mayer
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine     Volume:  23     ISSN:  1069-3424     ISO Abbreviation:  Semin Respir Crit Care Med     Publication Date:  2002 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-08-09     Completed Date:  2005-10-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9431858     Medline TA:  Semin Respir Crit Care Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  221-9     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, USA.
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