title: Intrathecal baclofen for generalized dystonia.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intrathecal bacolfen (ITB) on patients with severe generalized dystonia. Eighty-six participants ranging in age from 3 to 42 years (median age 13 years) with generalized dystonia refractory to oral medications were offered treatment with ITB. Dystonia was associated with cerebral palsy in 71% of participants. Response to ITB was tested by continuous infusions in 72%, and by bolus injections in 17% of participants who had both dystonia and spasticity. Ninety-one percent of participants responded to the screening infusion and 93% to the bolus injections. Pumps were implanted in 77 participants. Dystonia scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were significantly decreased (p<0.005) compared with baseline scores. Dystonia scores were significantly lower in those with intrathecal catheters positioned at T4, or higher than in those with catheters at T6 or lower (p=0.005). Ninety-two percent of participants implanted with a pump retained their responses to ITB during a median follow-up of 29 months. Patient questionnaires indicated that quality of life and ease of care improved in 86% and speech improved in 33%. Side effects of ITB occurred in 26% of participants. Surgical complications occurred in 38% and included CSF leaks, infections, and catheter problems. ITB is probably the treatment of choice for generalized dystonia if oral medications are ineffective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. albrigl@chplink.chp.edu
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Albright
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Shafton
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Ferson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen