title: Weight changes in children receiving intrathecal baclofen for the treatment of spasticity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify changes in weight for children receiving intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy for the treatment of spasticity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective medical chart review. Weights were obtained before and after ITB pump implantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care children's hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  52 children < 20 years old at the time of data collection receiving ITB therapy for the treatment of cerebral origin spasticity for > 1 year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Paired t-test compared pre and post-implantation weights. Analyses of covariance were run to compare differences in overall weight change as defined by variables of gender, diet, diagnosis, and ethnicity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant change in pre-implantation weight (M=26.77, SD=11.29) from post-implantation weight (M=32.11, SD=12.62) was noted. No significant weight change was noted among variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study participants gained an average of 5.43 kg (SD=4.34) after receiving 1 year of ITB therapy.
authors.affiliation: Center for Exceptional Families, Dearborn, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Pritula
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ayyangar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001418:Baclofen / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen