The purpose of this study is to determine whether early mechanical ventilation can prevent hospital acquired pneumonia in adults with Guillain Barré Syndrome.

Hospital acquired pneumonia is a common and severe complication of Guillain Barré Syndrome. Several factors have been recognized as predictors of respiratory failure in adults with Guillain Barré Syndrome. They include a time from disease onset and patient admission of less seven days, inability to lift head, impaired swallowing and a forced vital capacity of less than 60% of predictive value. We reasonned that early mechanical ventilation may prevent aspiration which is likely the main cause of pneumonia in these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Guillain Barré Syndrome
• Age of 18 years old or more
• Inability to lift head
• Time from onset of motor deficit less than 7 days
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Glasgow coma score of less than 8
• Unstable hemodynamic status
• Current pneumonia
• Pregnancy