Intrathecal baclofen pump infection treated by adjunct intrareservoir teicoplanin instillation

The delivery of intrathecal baclofen via pumps is gaining increasing use in the management of intractable spasticity. One of the rare but devastating complications of this method is infection. In the majority of cases, removal of the device is required, despite appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy. We report a case that highlights the use of intrareservoir teicoplanin to achieve sterilization of the infected pump system in a patient in whom removal of the pump was not an easy option.

We describe our experience on a patient with cerebral palsy in whom Staphylococcus epidermidis pump infection developed due to contamination of the infusion reservoir during refilling procedure, which was successfully sterilized in situ by the combined use of systemic antibiotics and intrareservoir coadministration of baclofen with teicoplanin. The infection was eradicated and baclofen therapy was continued uninterrupted.

Removal of intrathecal baclofen pump is not necessary as the first measure in cases with mild clinical symptomatology. In view of the fact that pumps for intrathecal drug delivery are very costly, salvage of the device may be attempted in selected cases, although it is not generally recommended. Combined infusion of baclofen and an antibiotic through the pump makes it possible to maintain treatment for spasticity, sterilize the pump reservoir and flow tubes, and effectively treat infections that develop during the use of these systems.