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Published on: August 9, 2024
[Neuromodulation of spasticity in children by intrathecal baclofen]
R Cumlivski1, G Redl, W Strobl
1Abteilung für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Orthopädisches Spital Speising GmbH, Speisinger Str. 109, 1130, Wien, Osterreich.
Insights
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy effectively reduces spasticity and pain in children with cerebral spasticity. This treatment also improves motor function, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Context:
- Cerebral spasticity significantly impacts motor function and quality of life in pediatric patients.
- Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a therapeutic option for managing complex spasticity.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ITB in pediatric patients with complex neuromotoric spasticity.
- To assess the impact of ITB on spasticity, pain, motor function, and daily living activities.
Summary:
- A study involving 15 pediatric patients (ages 3-16) treated with ITB showed significant reductions in spasticity (Ashworth scale) and pain intensity (VAS).
- Patients experienced improved sitting time, decreased need for nursing care, and enhanced emotional state, swallowing, head posture, and concentration.
- The average spasticity score decreased from 4.38 to 3.0, pain intensity from 4.2 to 0.6, and nursing time from 7.5 to 3.4 on the VAS scale.
Impact:
- ITB therapy demonstrates significant benefits for children with complex cerebral spasticity.
- The findings suggest ITB is a valuable neuromodulation technique for improving functional outcomes and well-being in pediatric populations.
- This study highlights the potential of ITB to enhance daily living and reduce care burden in children with severe spasticity.
Introduction:
Treatment with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an important part of the complex therapy of patients with cerebral spasticity aiming to improve the motoric functions and to reduce pain intensity.
Material And Methods:
ITB was started in the Orthopaedic Hospital in Speising in 1999. From 1999 to 2006 a total of 15 children aged 3 to 16 years old were selected for this special treatment.
Results:
The average degree of spasticity according to Ashworth (scale 1-5) could be reduced by ITB from 4.38 to 3.0, the time spent sitting could be increased from 3.3 to 5.8h per day and the pain intensity (VAS 1-10) could be reduced from 4.2 to 0.6. The time necessary for nursing treatment was shortened from 7.5 to 3.4 (VAS 1-10). Also improved was the emotional situation, the ability to swallow, the posture of the head and the concentration ability.
Conclusion:
ITB provides neuromodulation even in pediatric patients with complex neuromotoric spasticity.
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