Haemophilus influenzae associated Guillain Barre Syndrome with thrombocytopenic purpura and hyperthermia

A 24-year old female who had been intubated for respiratory distress was transferred to our intensive care unit, where a subsequent diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome was made. Her only positive culture was Haemophilus influenzae from sputum. Despite having a severe form of the disease, with autonomic dysfunction and hyperthermia, she made a jar better, more rapid recovery than expected. We review the evidence that patients with Haemophilus influenzae associated Guillain Barre Syndrome recover more quickly than those with other causative agents. We also discuss the implications of thrombocytopenia in these patients and the management of hyperthermia in an intensive care unit setting.