Hyponatremia is a predictor for poor outcome in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of hyponatremia in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in northern China.

METHODS

Four hundred fifty-five GBS patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to Medical Research Council sum score (MRC sum score) at nadir. The incidences of hyponatremia in these three groups were analyzed by x(2) tests. Logistic regression models were performed to determine risk factors of hyponatremia and poor outcome.

RESULTS

Hyponatremia was detected in 21·5% GBS patients. And 36·2% severe GBS cases were found to have hyponatremia, which was significantly higher than mild and moderate groups (11·8, 13·0%; all P value <0·001). However, no significant difference was found between mild and moderate groups (P  =  0·769). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified three conditions closely associated with hyponatremia: age > 50 years (odds ratio: 2·013, P  =  0·014), facial weakness (odds ratio: 2·493, P  =  0·001), and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio: 12·871, P < 0·001). Both hyponatremia (odds ratio: 12·770, P < 0·001) and bulbar weakness (odds ratio: 3·391, P  =  0·023) predicted death of GBS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyponatremia is an important predictor of poor outcome in GBS patients.