title: Intrathecal baclofen therapy over 10 years.
abstract: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy has evolved into a standard treatment for severe spasticity. After this therapy had been provided for 10 years, a retrospective chart review on 50 patients, representing a total 2,922 patient months of ITB service, was done. These patients suffered severe spasticity from a number of disease processes including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and brain injury. The average dosage for the total group was 463 micrograms per day (microg/day), and 32% used a simple infusion mode. Pump refills occurred every 3 months for 58% of the group. Three evolving trends in ITB therapy were identified from clinical trial to current management: (a) higher catheter tip placement, (b) use of more complex infusion modes, and (c) a decreased complication rate.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Implant Program at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita, KS, USA. patrice_rawlins@via-christi.org
authors.forename: Patrice Korth
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Rawlins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen