title: Safety considerations in the use of botulinum toxins in children with cerebral palsy.
abstract: The use of botulinum toxins to decrease spasticity in children with cerebral palsy has become standard of care during the past decade. In 2008 reports of severe adverse events, including death, were reported in children who received injections of these medications. The following discussion focuses on the background of these reports, the response of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of botulinum toxins. Finally, the authors will offer their perspective on the safe use of botulinum toxins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Susan.apkon@seattlechildrens.org
authors.forename: Susan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Apkon
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cassidy
mesh_terms: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins