Plasma Exchange After Initial Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Critical Reassessment of Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency

Abstract

We found no association between PE after IVIG and improved short-term outcomes of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, but there was an association with an increase in cost and duration of hospitalization. There was no association between the timing of PE after IVIG and the short-term outcome. Prospective studies are needed to clarify whether the cost/benefit ratio favors the routine use of this therapeutic approach.