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Intrathecal baclofen infusion for ambulant children with cerebral palsy

Sylvain Brochard1, Olivier Remy-Neris, Paul Filipetti

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Morvan, Brest, France. sylvain.brochard@chu-brest.fr

Pediatric Neurology
|March 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion improved gait in children with cerebral palsy by reducing spasticity. This treatment enhanced functional capacity, allowing some children to use less supportive walking aids.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy often involves spasticity affecting gait.
  • Intrathecal baclofen infusion is a treatment option for severe spasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion on the gait of ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from 21 ambulant children with cerebral palsy.
  • Assessed Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, walking aid use, Ashworth Scale, and stretch reflex.
  • Data collected before and after intrathecal baclofen pump implantation.

Main Results:

  • Significant reduction in lower-limb spasticity (Ashworth Scale score decreased by 1.4 points).
  • Significant improvement in functional capacity (Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire score increased from 5.04 to 6.09).
  • Seven children reduced their reliance on walking aids.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion effectively decreases spasticity.
  • The treatment shows promise in improving gait capacity in children with cerebral palsy.
  • Further controlled studies are needed to confirm functional benefits.

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