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Estimation of botulinum toxin type A efficacy on spasticity and functional outcome in children with spastic cerebral
Hristina Colovic1, Lidija Dimitrijevic, Ivona Stankovic
1Clinic for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Clinical Centre of Nis, Nis, Serbia. ninacol40@ymail.com
Insights
Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injections reduced muscle stiffness and improved motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). This treatment offers a promising approach for managing spasticity and enhancing mobility in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood neurological disorder characterized by muscle spasticity.
- Managing spasticity is crucial for improving motor function and quality of life in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA (BTA) in reducing passive motion resistance (PMR) in lower limb muscles.
- To assess the impact of BTA on the functional motor status of children with spastic CP.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of children with spastic CP received BTA injections.
- Physical therapy was administered for 16 weeks.
- Passive motion resistance (PMR) was measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale, and functional motor status was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).
Main Results:
- BTA significantly reduced PMR in hip adductors, knee extensors, and ankle joint extensors.
- Significant improvements in GMFCS and GMFM scores were observed in both groups after BTA treatment.
- These positive effects on motor function were evident at 8 and 16 weeks post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- AbobotulinumtoxinA (BTA) is an effective treatment for reducing muscle spasticity in children with CP.
- BTA administration leads to significant improvements in functional motor status and mobility in pediatric CP patients.
Aim:
We evaluated the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) - abobotulinumtoxinA on passive motion resistance (PMR) values of lower limbs affected muscles and on the functional motor status in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
In Group I (28 lower limbs with spastic muscles), and in Group II (14 lower limbs with dynamic spastic equinus) BTA was administered. Physical therapy was prescribed for 16 weeks. We estimated PMR using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Achieved functional motor level was evaluated by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Parameters were assessed before treatment and after 3,8,16 weeks and 6 months respectively.
Results:
In Group I, PMR was significantly lower for hip adductors and knee extensors over 3-16 weeks, and for ankle joint extensors in both groups. There were significant differences for both groups in frequencies of GMFCS values after 16 weeks from BTA application. There was a significant increase in GMFM scores after 8 and 16 weeks from BTA application in both groups of patients.
Conclusions:
BTA treatment in CP children is followed by reduction in PMR values and improvement in functional motor status.
