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Intrathecal baclofen therapy: benefits and complications

Helena Aniansson Zdolsek1, Christine Olesch, Giuliana Antolovich

  • 1Department of Developmental Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
|August 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) for children with cerebral palsy can cause complications, but most parents find the treatment beneficial for managing spasticity and dystonia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) has been used since 1999 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, for managing spasticity and dystonia in children with cerebral palsy.
  • Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, leading to conditions like spasticity and dystonia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the complications and side effects of ITB in pediatric CP patients.
  • To assess the health and functional impact of ITB from a parent's perspective.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of patient records from September 1999 to August 2005.
  • Parental questionnaires assessing health and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 18 pump insertions, 6 removals, and 4 reinsertions were performed.
  • 17 complications occurred in 14 out of 18 children, primarily post-insertion.
  • Despite complications and limited functional improvement, 11 of 12 parents reported ITB as beneficial.

Conclusions:

  • ITB treatment in pediatric CP patients is associated with complications, often early after pump insertion.
  • The majority of children experience substantial benefits from ITB, as perceived by their parents.
Abstract

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