Low‐cost alternatives for the management of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in low‐ and middle‐income countries

Abstract

AbstractGuillain‐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.