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Weight changes in children receiving intrathecal baclofen for the treatment of spasticity

Stephanie L Pritula1, Margaret A Fox, Rita Ayyangar

  • 1Center for Exceptional Families, Dearborn, MI, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
|October 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children undergoing intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy for spasticity experienced significant weight gain. On average, participants gained 5.43 kg after one year of ITB treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Spasticity in children often requires long-term management.
  • Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a common treatment for severe spasticity.
  • Understanding the impact of ITB on growth parameters like weight is crucial for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate weight changes in pediatric patients receiving ITB therapy.
  • To determine if ITB therapy influences weight gain in children with spasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 52 children under 20 years old receiving ITB for spasticity.
  • Weight measurements were collected before and after ITB pump implantation.
  • Paired t-tests and ANCOVA were used to analyze weight changes and influencing factors.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant increase in weight was observed post-ITB implantation (average gain of 5.43 kg).
  • Pre-implantation weight averaged 26.77 kg, increasing to 32.11 kg post-implantation.
  • No significant weight change differences were found based on gender, diet, diagnosis, or ethnicity.

Conclusions:

  • Intrathecal baclofen therapy is associated with significant weight gain in pediatric patients with spasticity.
  • The observed weight gain averaged 5.43 kg over one year of ITB treatment.
  • ITB therapy appears to be a safe intervention regarding weight changes in this pediatric population.
Abstract

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