Cost-minimization analysis of the direct costs of TPE and IVIg in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Background: Controlled trials have found therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion therapy to be equally efficacious in treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Due to increases in the price of IVIg compared to human serum albumin (HSA), used as a replacement fluid in TPE, we examined direct hospital-level expenditures for TPE and IVIg for meaningful cost-differences between these treatments.

Methods: Using financial data from our two institutions, hospital cost profiles for IVIg and 5% albumin were established.