Intrathecal baclofen in cerebral palsy. A retrospective study of 25 wheelchair-assisted adults.
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) in wheelchair-dependent adults with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis and clinical examination of 25 wheelchair-assisted adults with cerebral palsy receiving ITB initiated between 1999 and 2009 in three different cities in western France.


RESULTS
ITB improves spasticity and facilitates wheelchair comfort and nursing care. The therapy has an effect on motor disorders and pain. Eighty percent of the ITB patients were satisfied. Dissatisfaction was related to complications or adverse events and not lack of efficacy. Complications occurred in 32% of the patients and transient interruption of the treatment or surgical removal of the ITB pump was necessary in 16% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Wider use of ITB in this indication is likely and should lead to a better understanding of the drug's pharmacological effects on motor disorders and pain. Use of the Goal Attainment Assessment Scale or Caregiver Questionnaire can help us.
Tassëel Ponche
S
S
Département de médecine physique et de réadaptation, faculté de médecine, université d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France. tasseel-ponche.sophie@chu-amiens.fr
Ferrapie
A-L
AL
Chenet
A
A
Menei
P
P
Gambart
G
G
Ménégalli Bogeli
D
D
Perrouin Verbe
B
B
Gay
S
S
Richard
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014910:Wheelchairs; D055815:Young Adult
D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists; D001418:Baclofen