autonomic dysfunction in Guillain-Barré syndrome

Q: Which autonomic dysfunction is more common in Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS)? (select one)

A) Ileus 

B) Urinary retention

Answer: A

Dysautonomia is present in most of the patients with GBS. Ileus is present in almost half of the patients, whereas urinary retention is present in about one out of four patients. Other autonomic dysfunctions may be present with various frequencies, such as hypertension and hypotension, tachycardia and bradycardia, and fever. Patients with dysautonomia have higher mortality, including sudden death.

Hyponatremia can also be found in lab findings due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), occurring secondary to autonomic involvement.

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References:

1. Flachenecker P. Autonomic dysfunction in Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2007; 254 Suppl 2:II96.

2. Chakraborty T, Kramer CL, Wijdicks EFM, Rabinstein AA. Dysautonomia in Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Prevalence, Clinical Spectrum, and Outcomes. Neurocrit Care 2020; 32:113.

3. Anandan C, Khuder SA, Koffman BM. Prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in hospitalized patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:331.