Changes in referral pattern and its effect on outcome in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

Neurology. 2001 Feb 27;56(4):564-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.56.4.564.

Abstract

The authors assessed the referral pattern and outcome in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (n = 266) after the introduction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Fewer patients were transferred from small to large hospitals after the introduction of IVIg (p = 0.05). This did not result in a worse outcome in patients treated in small centers. The introduction of IVIg has led to a better use of different levels of health care facilities.

MeSH terms

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous