Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion for spasticity of cerebral origin.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion (CIBI) would provide continuous relief of spasticity in patients with spasticity of cerebral origin, especially children with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
Prospective, unblinded trial, before and after CIBI.


METHODS
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pa).


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients, 5 to 27 years of age, with spasticity of cerebral origin.


METHODS
Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion for 3 to 48 months.


METHODS
Muscle tone, range of motion, upper extremity timed tasks, activities of daily living (ADLs).


RESULTS
Six and 12 months after CIBI, muscle tone was significantly decreased in the upper (P = .04) and lower (P = .001) extremities. There was a significant relationship between baclofen dosage and muscle tone in the upper (P = .02) and lower (P = .001) extremities. Hamstring motion, upper extremity function, and ADLs were significantly improved in 25 patients who were capable of self-care.


CONCLUSIONS
Spasticity of cerebral origin can be effectively treated with CIBI. Because baclofen dosages can be titrated for the desired clinical response, CIBI is particularly useful for patients who need some spasticity to stand and ambulate.
Albright
A L
AL
Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Barron
W B
WB
Fasick
M P
MP
Polinko
P
P
Janosky
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000188:drug therapy; D015419:Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary / Q000188:drug therapy; D013131:Spine; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001418:Baclofen