Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical experience using botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in children with acquired brain injury.


METHODS
Single centre, open label, pilot study.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients were randomized to three groups according to impairment severity and treatment objectives.


METHODS
Group 1: Spastic quadriparesis patients with impaired consciousness treated with the primary goal of improving comfort and well-being; Group 2: Patients with upper limb spasticity treated with the primary goal of improving arm functioning; Group 3: Lower limb spasticity patients treated with the primary goal of improving leg function.


RESULTS
Baseline, 1, 3 and 5-month post-treatment assessments were carried out using joint goniometry, Modified Ashworth Scale and video-observations. All groups demonstrated initial improvements, with patients in Group 2 showing a positive effect at least 5 months post-treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
With a good outlining of treatment goals, BTX-A is an effective therapy for brain injury patients.
van Rhijn
J
J
Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Youth, Pulderbos, Belgium. annemiek.vanrhijn@revapulderbos.be
Molenaers
G
G
Ceulemans
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A