Mechanical Ventilation and Anesthesia Strategies in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure Due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Background: This narrative review delves into the nuances of mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy in the context of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the indications, anesthesia management, ventilation settings, and related considerations. Method: The review was conducted by analyzing relevant literature and studies that address the use of mechanical ventilation and aanesthesiaa in GBS patients Results: Indications to initiate mechanical ventilation encompass acute respiratory distress/arrest, hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis, failure of non-invasive ventilation. Early Mechanical Ventilation (EMV) might be considered in cases of impaired swallowing. Anesthesia management poses challenges due to altered responses to neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs); while sucssefull general anesthesia cases are reported in literature. While depolarizing agents like succinylcholine are contraindicated, non-depolarizing agents such as rocuronium and vecuronium may be used with caution. The role of sugammadex in reversing NMBDs’ effects is explored but not yet fully established. Tracheostomy might be considered for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: This narrative review provides information about the multifaceted considerations of mechanical ventilation and anesthesia in GBS.