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Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
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[Imminent respiratory insufficiency in children resulting from Guillain-Barré syndrome]

Marie-Claire Y de Wit1, Joyce Roodbol, Matthijs de Hoog

  • 1Erasmus MC-Sophia Kinderziekenhuis, Afd. Neurologie-Kinderneurologie, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. m.c.y.dewit@erasmusmc.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Early recognition of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in children is vital for preventing respiratory failure. Delays in diagnosing GBS in young children due to non-specific symptoms can lead to severe outcomes, including fatalities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuromuscular Disorders

Background:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) requires prompt recognition for managing potential respiratory compromise.
  • Diagnosing GBS in young children is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and examination difficulties.

Observation:

  • Three young boys (22 months, 4 years, 7 years) with GBS were initially misdiagnosed.
  • Delayed diagnosis led to underestimation of respiratory insufficiency risk.
  • Two patients required emergency intubation; one case was fatal.

Findings:

  • Nonspecific symptoms like pain, refusal to walk, or dysphagia are common in pediatric GBS.
  • These symptoms can indicate a progressive polyradiculoneuropathy.
  • Initial misdiagnoses included tonsillitis and coxitis.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for GBS in children presenting with vague symptoms.
  • Highlights the critical importance of thorough neurological examination and prompt referral to specialized pediatric neurology centers.
  • Underscores the necessity of intensive care facilities for managing acute respiratory insufficiency in pediatric GBS cases.

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