What is considered the most dangerous complication of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a post-infectious neurological disorder characterized by rapid-onset muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. One of the most significant complications associated with GBS is respiratory failure. This occurs because the syndrome can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, leading to difficulty in maintaining adequate ventilation.

In cases where respiratory muscles are weakened, patients may require mechanical ventilation to support their breathing. Monitoring respiratory function is crucial in GBS patients, as the progression of the disease can be rapid, and respiratory failure can occur unexpectedly. The need for ventilatory support is a critical consideration in the management of patients with GBS, making respiratory failure the most dangerous complication of the syndrome.

Other complications can arise, such as sepsis from prolonged hospitalization or immobility. However, while these can be serious, they do not carry the immediate life-threatening risk associated with acute respiratory failure, which directly impacts the patient's ability to breathe. Thus, respiratory failure is recognized as the most dangerous complication of Guillain-Barré syndrome.