Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
A Simple Approach to Induce Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis in C57BL/6 Mice for Functional and Neuropathological Assessments
Published on: November 9, 2017
Risk factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Cheng Li1, Rui-Di Sun1, Li Feng1
1Department of Electrophysiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430016, China (Jiang J, Email:jiangjuntg@sina. com).
Insights
Facial muscle weakness and rapid disease progression are key risk factors for requiring mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Early identification aids in managing GBS patients needing respiratory support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Neuromuscular Disorders
Background:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.
- Mechanical ventilation may be necessary for GBS patients experiencing respiratory failure.
- Identifying risk factors for mechanical ventilation in pediatric GBS is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in children diagnosed with GBS.
- To identify clinical predictors that may indicate a higher likelihood of respiratory failure in pediatric GBS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical data from 107 children with GBS.
- Classification of patients into mechanical ventilation (n=16) and non-mechanical ventilation (n=91) groups.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine significant risk factors.
Main Results:
- 15.0% of children with GBS required mechanical ventilation.
- Mechanical ventilation group showed higher incidence of facial/bulbar muscle weakness, shorter onset-to-peak duration, and higher initial Hughes Functional Grading Scale scores.
- Facial/bulbar muscle weakness (OR=5.053) and short onset-to-peak duration (OR=1.239) were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Facial and/or bulbar muscle weakness are strongly associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in pediatric GBS.
- A rapid disease progression (short onset-to-peak duration) increases the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation.
- These findings highlight critical indicators for predicting respiratory support needs in children with GBS.
Objectives:
To study the risk factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Methods:
The medical data of 107 children with GBS were retrospectively reviewed. According to whether mechanical ventilation was required, the children were divided into a mechanical ventilation group with 16 children and a non-mechanical ventilation group with 91 children. The risk factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in children with GBS were identified by a multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Among the 107 children, 16 (15.0%) required mechanical ventilation. Compared with the non-mechanical ventilation group, the mechanical ventilation group had a significantly higher proportion of children with facial and/or bulbar muscle weakness, a significantly shorter duration from the onset to the peak of the disease, and a significantly higher Hughes Functional Grading Scale score at the first visit (P<0.05). Facial and/or bulbar muscle weakness and short duration from the onset to the peak of the disease were risk factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in children with GBS (OR=5.053 and 1.239 respectively, P<0.05).
Conclusions:
Facial and/or bulbar muscle weakness and short duration from the onset to the peak of the disease may increase the risk of mechanical ventilation in children with GBS. Citation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...