Korean J Anesthesiol.  1973 Dec;6(2):185-192.

Respiratory Care in Guillian Barre' Syndrome

• Park JY
• Oh HK

Abstract

Guillian-Barre syndrome may result in severe pulmonary insufficiency and death. Four cases disgnosed as this syndrome were treated with respirators such as Bird Mk-7, Bennett PR-Z, Bennett MA-1 and Ohio-560. All of the patients were tracheostomized and had a cuffed tracheostomy tube inserted. Volume and pressure respirators were fixed according to vital signs and arterial blood gas tensions. Mechanical and ultrasonic nebulizer and a heated humidifier were used for humidification. Lung vibration, postural drainage and breathing exercises were performed as occasion required. To prevent cross-infection aseptic techniques were used far tracheal suction and the sterilizable parts of the respirator and tracheostomy tube were changed daily. During the weaning from the respirator the vital signs, lung volumes and blood gas tensions with pH were carefully observed. Duration of respirator uses were 19 to 79 days and thereafter all were improved without complications. The results were as follows; 1. In 3 of 4 cases pseudomonas aeruginosa were cultured in sputum. 2. Narcosis, due to hypercapnea, and atelectasis were observed in case 1 and 2. 3. Electrolytes remained within normal limits in all cases. 4. The period of complete weaning from respirators required 4 to 30 days. 5. Bennett MA-1 and Ohio-560 respirators were more convinient than pressure limited respirators for humidification and regular deep breathing.

MeSH Terms

Birds
Breathing Exercises
Drainage, Postural
Electrolytes
Hot Temperature
Humans
Humidifiers
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Lung
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pulmonary Atelectasis
Respiration
Sputum
Stupor
Suction
Tracheostomy
Ultrasonics
Ventilators, Mechanical
Vibration
Vital Signs
Weaning
Electrolytes