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Adverse events associated with paediatric intrathecal baclofen in Australia: 5 years of data collection

Louise Tyack1, Lisa Copeland1, Lynn McCartney2

  • 1Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in Australian children has a high rate of adverse events (AEs), with catheter issues and drug-related problems being most common. These findings are crucial for patient counseling regarding ITB risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is used for severe spasticity in children.
  • Understanding adverse event (AE) profiles is crucial for patient safety and treatment optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and types of adverse events associated with ITB therapy in Australian pediatric patients.
  • To provide data for informed patient and caregiver counseling regarding ITB treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Data were extracted from the Australian Paediatric ITB Research Group national database.
  • Analysis included the first five years of AE data collection.
  • Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on collated data.

Main Results:

  • Forty-seven AEs were reported in 23 out of 40 pediatric patients.
  • The most frequent AEs included catheter dysfunction (24%), drug overdose/withdrawal/sensitivity (19%), seromas/hematomas (15%), and infections (13%).
  • Ten patients (25%) required surgical intervention, and five (12.5%) needed pump removal due to AEs.

Conclusions:

  • The rate of adverse events for ITB therapy in this pediatric cohort is substantial.
  • Healthcare providers must consider these risks when discussing ITB as a treatment option with patients and families.
Abstract

Keywords:
adverse eventintrathecal baclofenpaediatric rehabilitationpaediatrics

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