Intrathecal Baclofen on Non Ambulatory Children wtih CP

Research was conducted with 38 children with severe spastic cerebral palsy and the use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB). Twenty children were assessed before receiving the ITB and at 9 and 18 months post ITB. The remaining 18 children waited 9 months to serve as a control period for the two groups. The results indicated the following:

• no significant changes in either group on the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory
• no significant changes on the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire in either group
• no change in the cost of new equipment in either group

When comparing the two groups during the first 9 month period when group 1 received the ITB but group 2 had not yet received the ITB the following was noted:

• significant difference between the two groups on the Modified Ashworth Score, the Penn Spasm score, mean range of motion and Caregiver Questionnaire

The researchers concluded that ITB in children with severe spastic cerebral palsy demonstrated improved quality of life in terms of comfort and ease of care. ITB did not appear to affect function, participation in society or cost of equipment.

Reference: Miller F. The effects of continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011 Jun 27. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04026.x. [Epub ahead of print]