Difficult Weaning Due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute, symmetric, ascending paralysis disorder caused by demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome is established by the presence of clinical findings and the results of electrophysiological studies. However, in critically ill patients, the manifestations of their acute illness may obscure the progressive paralysis, and it is difficult to recognize the onset and evolution of this syndrome. Herein, we report the case of a 50-year-old woman who required ventilatory support due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. After her pneumonia subsided, difficult weaning was noted. Her history revealed ascending paralysis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and electrophysiological study showed typical findings, and Guillain-Barre syndrome was diagnosed. After plasma exchange, the weakness of the limbs improved and the patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator.