Spasticity Management with Botulinum Toxin in Post-stroke and Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Retrospective,...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Limited real-world data exists for botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) in multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity, despite strong evidence in post-stroke spasticity.
• This study addresses the paucity of information on BoNT-A use in diverse spasticity etiologies within clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the real-world application of BoNT-A for managing spasticity.
• To specifically focus on the treatment of spasticity resulting from stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• A noninterventional, retrospective study design was employed.
• Data from 149 adult patients receiving at least three BoNT-A injection cycles between 2008 and 2018 across three Italian centers were analyzed.
• Patients had upper and/or lower limb spasticity of any etiology.

Main Results:

• Analysis included 67 post-stroke, 47 MS, and 35 other etiology patients.
• Median treatment durations were 54.9 months (post-stroke) and 41.9 months (MS).
• Observed BoNT-A doses were often lower than approved, with distinct muscle treatment patterns between MS and post-stroke groups; however, patient satisfaction was high across etiologies.

Conclusions:

• This study offers a real-world perspective on BoNT-A for spasticity management.
• Findings support the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with BoNT-A for focal spasticity, irrespective of the underlying cause.
• The data underscore BoNT-A's utility in long-term spasticity care beyond stroke indications.