Autonomic dysfunction in the Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Tests of autonomic function have been performed on 7 patients with the Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome and 5 control subjects. These included a sweat test, and measurement of both postural hypotension and baroreflex sensitivity. Sweating was definitely abnormal in 5 patients. Postural hypotension was present in 4 patients. The baroreflex sensitivity was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) in the patients when compared with the control group. The results demonstrate that both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems may be affected in the Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome.