Baclofen pump intervention for spasticity affecting pulmonary function.
BACKGROUND
Muscle spasticity may adversely affect pulmonary function after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there is limited information regarding the treatment of spasticity as a determinant of pulmonary function. This study presents the case of a man with C4 tetraplegia who had severe spasticity and difficulty weaning from ventilatory support.


METHODS
Case presentation.


RESULTS
Severe spasticity likely contributed to respiratory compromise in this patient. Successful and rapid weaning from the ventilator occurred within 3 weeks of baclofen pump placement.


CONCLUSIONS
Randomized clinical trials among SCI patients with significant spasticity are needed to determine whether intervention with a baclofen pump facilitates earlier ventilatory weaning.
Britton
Deanna
D
Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Specialist, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359819, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. deanna@u.washington.edu
Goldstein
Barry
B
Jones-Redmond
Jill
J
Esselman
Peter
P
D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000379:methods; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen