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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
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Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia
Published on: September 12, 2020
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Medication use in childhood dystonia
Daniel E Lumsden1, Margaret Kaminska1, Stephen Tomlin2
1Complex Motor Disorder Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Summary
Adverse drug responses (ADR) are common in children with dystonia, affecting over 60%. No specific clinical risk factors were identified, highlighting the need for a rational approach to childhood dystonia pharmacotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Limited data exists on current prescription practices for childhood dystonia.
- Medication use in pediatric dystonia may be constrained by uncertain incidence of adverse drug responses (ADR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current anti-dystonic medication use in children.
- To determine the prevalence of ADR leading to drug discontinuation.
- To identify clinical risk factors associated with ADR in pediatric dystonia.
Main Methods:
- A case note review was conducted on 278 children with dystonia.
- Data included medications, ADR, dystonia etiology, GMFCS level, and motor phenotype.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for ADR.
Main Results:
- At referral, 29.4% of children were not on anti-dystonic medication; the median use was 2 drugs.
- Baclofen, trihexyphenidyl, l-Dopa, and diazepam were the most common medications.
- Over 61% of children experienced ADR, primarily with trihexyphenidyl, baclofen, and l-Dopa; no clinical risk factors for ADR were found.
Conclusions:
- ADR is frequently observed in children with dystonia, irrespective of severity or etiology.
- Significant variation exists in the pharmacological management of childhood dystonia.
- A rational, evidence-based approach to pharmacotherapy for childhood dystonia is warranted.
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