title: Long-term outcomes of continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion for treatment of spasticity: a prospective multicenter follow-up study.
abstract: Long-term outcomes of 115 patients treated with continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion are reported. A prospective follow-up study was conducted in eight centers. Patients were followed up over a 12-month period. The follow-up scores on the three spasticity scales (Ashworth, spasm, and clonus scales) were significantly lower at every follow-up visit in comparison to the intake score, except for the clonus scale scores at 12 months. Improvements in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and functionality (SIP-68, functional independence measure) were small and nonsignificant. A significant reduction in severity of self-reported personal problems rating scale was observed. Sixty-six patients had no adverse events. Types of adverse events reported were wound complications (22%), catheter problems (36%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (25%), and other complications (17%). Intrathecal baclofen reduces spasticity and severity of patient-reported problems but its effect on quality of life and functionality is less apparent. Improvements are desired in selection criteria, design of spinal catheters, and outcome scales.
authors.affiliation: Amphia Hospital Breda, Breda, The Netherlands;              Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; and              Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Elmar M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Delhaas
authors.forename: Nicoline
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Beersen
authors.forename: W Ken
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Redekop
authors.forename: Niek S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Klazinga