Guillain-Barré syndrome medical therapy

Supportive therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: Respiratory assistance, Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, prevention of thromboembolic complications by heparin, minimal sedation in intensive care units, pain control and early passive movements. Immunomodulating therapy for Guillain Barre syndrome include: Plasma exchange, High dose immunoglobulin and Corticosteroids.

• Treatment for Guillan Barre syndrome can be divided into two groups:
  • Supportive therapy:
    • Respiratory assistance: We measure maximal expiratory vital capacity and if vital capacity falls under 15 ml/kg, we start mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubation.
    • Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring.
    • Prevention of thromboembolic complications by heparin.
    • Reduce respiratory infections by minimal sedation in intensive care units.
    • Pain control by analgesics.
    • Prevention of contracture by early passive movement.
  • Immunomodulating therapy
    • Plasma exchange: It is proved in so many studies that plasma exchange is an effective treatment option and can reduce recovery time.^[1][2]
    • High dose immunoglobulin: IVIG is as effective as plasma exchange for treatment of GBS. Combination therapy with these two will not result in a netter outcome.^[3][4]
    • Corticosteroids:
      • In some animal models it was demonstrated that corticosteroids reduce allergic neuritis.^[5]
      • In another study it was demonstrated that treatment with corticosteroids alone is not effective.^[6]
      • In a randomized study it was demonstrated that the combination of IVIG and corticosteroid will not result in any advantage.^[7]

Template:WH Template:WS