title: [Neuromodulation of spasticity in children by intrathecal baclofen].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an important part of the complex therapy of patients with cerebral spasticity aiming to improve the motoric functions and to reduce pain intensity.
  
  
  METHODS
  ITB was started in the Orthopaedic Hospital in Speising in 1999. From 1999 to 2006 a total of 15 children aged 3 to 16 years old were selected for this special treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average degree of spasticity according to Ashworth (scale 1-5) could be reduced by ITB from 4.38 to 3.0, the time spent sitting could be increased from 3.3 to 5.8h per day and the pain intensity (VAS 1-10) could be reduced from 4.2 to 0.6. The time necessary for nursing treatment was shortened from 7.5 to 3.4 (VAS 1-10). Also improved was the emotional situation, the ability to swallow, the posture of the head and the concentration ability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ITB provides neuromodulation even in pediatric patients with complex neuromotoric spasticity.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Orthopädisches Spital Speising GmbH, Speisinger Str. 109, 1130, Wien, Osterreich.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cumlivski
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Redl
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Strobl
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Girsch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Machowetz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000150:complications; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D010147:Pain Measurement
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen