Practice parameter: immunotherapy for Guillain-Barré syndrome: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

OBJECTIVE To provide an evidence-based statement to guide physicians in the management of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). METHODS Literature search and derivation of evidence-based statements concerning the use of immunotherapy were performed. RESULTS Treatment with plasma exchange (PE) or IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) hastens recovery from GBS. Combining the two treatments is not beneficial. Steroid treatment given alone is not beneficial. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) PE is recommended for nonambulant adult patients with GBS who seek treatment within 4 weeks of the onset of neuropathic symptoms. PE should also be considered for ambulant patients examined within 2 weeks of the onset of neuropathic symptoms; 2) IVIg is recommended for nonambulant adult patients with GBS within 2 or possibly 4 weeks of the onset of neuropathic symptoms. The effects of PE and IVIg are equivalent; 3) Corticosteroids are not recommended for the management of GBS; 4) Sequential treatment with PE followed by IVIg, or immunoabsorption followed by IVIg is not recommended for patients with GBS; and 5) PE and IVIg are treatment options for children with severe GBS.