title: Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal resembling serotonin syndrome in an adolescent boy with cerebral palsy.
abstract: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is increasingly being used to reduce spasticity among children with cerebral palsy, dystonia, and spinal cord injuries. However, complications such as withdrawal, which is a potentially life-threatening condition, can occur. Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal should be differentiated with autonomic dysreflexia, malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and serotonin syndrome. We report a case of ITB withdrawal secondary to low residual volume in the pump reservoir and resembling serotonin syndrome in an adolescent with cerebral palsy. He presented with agitation, diaphoresis, increasing spasticity, rigidity, jitteriness, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hypertension, and rhabdomyolysis. Treatment consisted of emergent refilling of the pump, intravenous diazepam, and oral cyproheptadine. We also emphasize the importance of prompt recognition of ITB withdrawal among high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA. halikapogi@aol.com
authors.forename: Maria L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.forename: Lea S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Eiland
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D020211:Autonomic Dysreflexia / Q000175:diagnosis; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013346:Subarachnoid Space; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D001418:Baclofen