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Non-invasive ventilation to avoid tracheal intubation in a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome
R M Pearse1, A Draper, R M Grounds
1Intensive Care Unit, St James Wing, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK. rupert.pearse@doctors.net.uk
Abstract:
A 72-yr-old man presented with respiratory failure secondary to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although the criteria for mechanical ventilation were satisfied, the absence of weakness of the bulbar muscles allowed the safe use of non-invasive ventilation for 2 weeks in this patient. Invasive ventilation and tracheostomy were avoided and the patient made a good recovery.
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