Walsh & Hoyt: Treatment

Meticulous supportive care and aggressive rehabilitation are essential in the management of patients with AIDP. Frequent autonomic dysfunction necessitates continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram and blood pressure. Respiratory dysfunction may lead to respiratory failure or infection. Active respiratory therapy thus is crucial. Elective intubation and assisted ventilation should be performed when necessary. If this is being considered, it is valuable to remind the patient and family often that AIDP usually is fully reversible. Pulmonary and urinary tract infections are common, and appropriate antibiotics should be used when such infections occur. Frequent repositioning of patients is necessary to avoid nerve pressure palsies and decubitus ulcers. Passive movement of the joints through a full range of motion is beneficial in maintaining flexibility of the limbs and reducing the probability of venous thrombosis. Low-dose heparin and anti-thrombus stockings may be used to prevent deep-vein thrombosis and secondary pulmonary embolism. Active physical therapy improves the speed and degree of recovery.