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Arch Neurol. 2001;58:871-872.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME (GBS) is the most common cause of acute neuromuscular paralysis in Western countries, affecting between 1 and 4 per 100 000 population annually.¹ Diagnosis of GBS is based on a set of defined clinical and laboratory criteria² and on the exclusion of other causes of acute neuromuscular weakness. Electrodiagnostic studies are most helpful for defining the peripheral neuropathy and GBS subtype.³ Weakness develops acutely within hours to a few days, usually involving the legs first, but often eventually leading to flaccid quadriparesis, facial diplegia, and bulbar weakness. Patients may become bedridden and, in severe cases, totally paralyzed with the inherent compromise of respiration and autonomic functions. About 25% to 30% of the patients with GBS require mechanical ventilation at some time during their illness.

During the acutely evolving and progressive phase of the disease, in the first 2 to 4 weeks, clinical management can be difficult. The failing of . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Anticipating Mechanical Ventilation in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Nicholas D. Lawn, Dade D. Fletcher, Robert D. Henderson, Troy D. Wolter, and Eelco F. M. Wijdicks
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