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Is oral baclofen effective in neonatal hypertonia?
Elizabeth Schulz1, Oommen P Mathew
1Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, GA 30912-3740, USA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|September 24, 2011
Summary
Oral baclofen did not significantly reduce muscle tone in hypertonic preterm neonates with cerebral palsy. This study found no overall decrease in spasticity during baclofen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy frequently involves spasticity, impacting muscle tone.
- Hypertonic neonates, particularly preterm infants, present unique clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral baclofen in managing hypertonia in neonates.
- To assess the impact of baclofen on muscle tone using the Modified Ashworth Scale.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 29 preterm infants treated with oral baclofen.
- Analysis of Modified Ashworth Scale scores before and during baclofen therapy.
- Inclusion of infants with a mean gestational age of 25.7 weeks.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant decrease in muscle tone was observed after initiating oral baclofen.
- Mean gestational age was 25.7 ± 1.9 weeks; baclofen initiated at 86.4 ± 33.6 days.
- The Modified Ashworth Scale scores showed no overall improvement in muscle tone.
Conclusions:
- Oral baclofen therapy did not demonstrate significant efficacy in reducing muscle tone in hypertonic preterm neonates.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative or adjunctive treatments for spasticity in this population.
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