Haemophilus influenzae associated Guillain Barré Syndrome with thrombocytopenic purpura and hyperthermia.

A 24-year-old female who had been intubated for respiratory distress was transferred to our intensive care unit, where a subsequent diagnosis of Guillain Barré Syndrome was made. Her only positive culture was Haemophilus influenzae from sputum. Despite having a severe form of the disease, with autonomic dysfunction and hyperthermia, she made a far better more rapid recovery than expected. We review the evidence that patients with Haemophilus influenzae associated Guillain Barré Syndrome recover more quickly than those with other causative agents. We also discuss the implications of thrombocytopenia in these patients and the management of hyperthermia in an intensive care unit setting.