[Preliminary trial of botulinum toxin A therapy for lower extremity spasticity in children with cerebral palsy].
Eleven children with gait disturbance due to cerebral palsy (mean age, 5.6 years, ranging from 2.4 to 11.5) were treated with Botulinum toxin A (BTA, BOTOX, Allergan) for improvement of spasticity and walking difficulty. BTA was injected into the gastrocnemius, adductors, and hamstring muscles with an initial total dose up to 8 units/kg or 100 units. Spasticity and gait disturbance were significantly improved in all patients 4 weeks after the treatment. Their parents also reported that BTA was helpful for brace tolerance and assistance of caregivers. No side effects including worsening of gait or signs of systemic adverse effects were observed. Management of leg spasticity with BTA is thought to be useful and safe, and approval for this use in Japan is recommended.
Nezu
Atsuo
A
Yokohama City University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa. anezu@urahp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp
Ichikawa
Kazushi
K
Takeshita
Saoko
S
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A