Guillain-Barré Syndrome with asystole requiring permanent pacemaker: a case report
2009

Case Report of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Permanent Pacemaker

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Mehul B Patel, Sandeep K Goyal, Sujeeth R Punnam, Khyati Pandya, Vipin Khetarpal, Ranjan K Thakur

Primary Institution: Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute, Sparrow Health System, Michigan State University

Hypothesis

Can Guillain-Barré syndrome lead to the need for a permanent pacemaker due to cardiac complications?

Conclusion

Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause serious heart issues, and patients with severe bradycardia and asystole may need a permanent pacemaker.

Supporting Evidence

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome can lead to severe autonomic dysfunction.
  • Bradyarrhythmias occur in up to 50% of patients with severe Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • The patient required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory muscle involvement.
  • Multiple episodes of bradycardia and asystole were observed.
  • A permanent pacemaker was implanted after 5 days of temporary pacing.

Takeaway

A young girl got very weak and had heart problems because of a disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome, and she needed a special device to help her heart beat.

Methodology

The patient was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome through lumbar puncture and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin G, followed by pacemaker implantation due to severe bradycardia.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

18-year-old Caucasian female.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-3-5

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