Risk factors for mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain-Barre syndrome

Background We assessed clinical predictors of mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) to help identify patients who require mechanical ventilation. Methods We retrospectively collected the clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological data of 103 children with GBS. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the requirement for mechanical ventilation. Variables that were significantly different between the two groups in univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models. Results Time from symptom onset to admission (P = .002), facial or bulbar weakness (P = .001), and axonal type (P = .005) were associated with mechanical ventilation in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, facial or bulbar weakness (odds ratio [OR], 7.936; P = .013) and axonal type (OR, 4.582; P = .022) were independent predictors for mechanical ventilation. Conclusions Facial or bulbar weakness and axonal type were associated with increased risk for mechanical ventilation in children with GBS.