title: The treatment of tetanus with intrathecal baclofen.
abstract: The treatment of severe tetanus generally requires prolonged mechanical ventilation. We describe two cases managed with continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen via a subcutaneous tunnelled spinal catheter and an abdominal injection port. Baclofen, by diminishing spasms and spasticity, allowed reduced sedation and paralysis requirements. This potentially decreases the time and resources required for intensive care management. Complications include sedation, hypotension and CSF infection. After appropriate dose adjustment, baclofen improves the management of severe tetanus.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Facility, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Boots
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Callaghan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fraser
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen