Which therapy is contraindicated in Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Which therapy is contraindicated in Guillain-Barré syndrome?

• A. Prednisone
• B. Plasmapheresis
• C. Intravenous immunoglobulin
• D. Mechanical ventilation

Answer: (A)

Corticosteroids do not improve Guillain-Barré syndrome and are not used to treat it. The illness is driven by an autoimmune attack on peripheral nerves, and therapies that directly reduce circulating immune components—plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)—have been shown to hasten recovery by lowering autoantibody activity. Mechanical ventilation is a life-support measure used when respiratory muscles are too weak to maintain adequate ventilation, not a disease-modifying treatment. Because prednisone and other corticosteroids have not demonstrated a beneficial effect in Guillain-Barré syndrome and may even delay recovery, they should not be used in standard management.

Corticosteroids do not improve Guillain-Barré syndrome and are not used to treat it. The illness is driven by an autoimmune attack on peripheral nerves, and therapies that directly reduce circulating immune components—plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)—have been shown to hasten recovery by lowering autoantibody activity. Mechanical ventilation is a life-support measure used when respiratory muscles are too weak to maintain adequate ventilation, not a disease-modifying treatment. Because prednisone and other corticosteroids have not demonstrated a beneficial effect in Guillain-Barré syndrome and may even delay recovery, they should not be used in standard management.