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

ABSTRACT:

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. Reimbursement amounts were obtained from publicly available Medicare data resources to determine payment rates for TPE, non-tunneled central catheter line placement, and drug infusion therapy. A model was developed which allows hos

SUBMITTER: Winters JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3121582 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature