Non-invasive ventilation to avoid tracheal intubation in a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract

A 72-yr-old man presented with respiratory failure secondary to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although the criteria for mechanical ventilation were satisfied, the absence of weakness of the bulbar muscles allowed the safe use of non-invasive ventilation for 2 weeks in this patient. Invasive ventilation and tracheostomy were avoided and the patient made a good recovery.