부산대학교 도서관

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis. It can cause rapidly progressing ascending paralysis leading to respiratory failure. There is no definite treatment for GBS, but early administration of intravenous immunoglobulin or therapeutic plasma exchange accelerates motor recovery and decreases time on the ventilator support and are considered the standard of care in GBS. However, these treatments are often unaffordable for many patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries, with limited availability and specialized expertise required in prescription. Cheaper alternatives such as modified therapeutic plasma exchange, exchange blood transfusion, rituximab, and pulse steroid therapy have been practiced in different parts of the world and have been shown to be effective, albeit with limited evidence. These cost‐effective therapies warrant further research and should be strongly considered by relevant health authorities and policymakers as a potential primary treatment for GBS in resource‐limited settings. Highlights: Globally, Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most common neurological emergencies. The weakness in GBS progresses quickly, with 17%–30% of patients potentially requiring mechanical ventilation.Early administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), aid in symptom relief, facilitate motor recovery, and assist in early weaning from the ventilator.Treatment with IVIG can cost from USD 5000 to 10,000, while that with TPE typically costs USD 3000 to 5000. The treatment cost is very high and in low‐ and middle‐income countries only 8% of GBS patients receive immunomodulatory therapy, while 92% rely only on supportive care.Cheaper alternatives have been practiced in different parts of the world and have been shown to be effective and warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]