Use of intrathecal morphine infusion for spasticity.
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficacy of intrathecal morphine infusion to treat spasticity.


METHODS
Functional Neurosurgery Division of University of São Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
Twelve patients with clinical refractory spasticity were studied. Two females and 10 males, with median age of 34.4 years (20 to 61 ys.). The initial Ashworth scale was 4.6. They were submitted to pump implantation for intrathecal morphine infusion.


RESULTS
The final Ashworth scale was 2.2. The median dose concentration of Intrathecal morphine was 0.95 mg, with a mean frequency of 1.8 times a day. Four patients developed pruritus, two patients nausea, two patients urinary retention, however all improved after morphine concentration was decreased. One patient was submitted to pump review after extrusion catheter.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrathecal morphine infusion is very helpful in patients with spasticity refractory to clinical treatment, and we observed only minor complications.
Functional Neurosurgery Division of University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. clinicarogano@aol.com
Luis A
LA
Rogano
Julia Maria
JM
Greve
Manoel J
MJ
Teixeira
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D009020:Morphine