Oral baclofen administration in persons with chronic spinal cord injury does not prevent the protective effects of spasticity on body composition and glucose homeostasis.
METHODS
Correlation study.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of oral baclofen on body composition (fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM)), extra- and intracellular fluid compartments and glucose homeostasis (plasma glucose and plasma insulin concentrations) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) after controlling for spasticity.


METHODS
Laboratory settings at the University of Michigan, MI, USA.


METHODS
Fifteen individuals with chronic motor complete SCI (32+/-8 years old, 25+/-5 kg/m(2), C6-T11, American Spinal Injury Association A and B) underwent multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition and body fluid compartments. Spasticity of the hip, knee and ankle flexors and extensors was measured using a modified Ashworth Scale and the dose of daily oral baclofen was recorded. After overnight fasting, plasma glucose and insulin sensitivity were measured in response to an oral glucose tolerance test.


RESULTS
Oral baclofen dose was positively related to body mass index, but not to extensor or flexor spasticity. The dose of baclofen seemed to be correlated to extensor spasticity after considering spasticity per FFM. The increased dose of oral baclofen was positively associated with increased FFM, extra- and intracellular fluid compartments and total body water, but not with FM. Oral baclofen dose was negatively associated with the homeostatic model assessment index.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of oral baclofen did not attenuate the protective effects of spasticity on body composition and metabolic profile after SCI. The possibility that oral baclofen could exert an independent protective effect needs to be further investigated.
Gorgey
A S
AS
Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA. ashraf.gorgey@va.gov
Chiodo
A E
AE
Gater
D R
DR
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen; D005947:Glucose