Intrathecal baclofen for multiple sclerosis related spasticity: A twenty year experience.

Mult Scler Relat Disord

Neurorehabilitation (NHNN), Neuroinflammation (IoN, UCL), Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Published: January 2019

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study evaluated the long-term effectiveness and safety of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) for treating spasticity related to multiple sclerosis (MS) over approximately 20 years.
  • A total of 106 subjects were involved, and results showed significant improvements in spasticity and pain scores post-treatment, with many patients able to stop oral antispasticity medications.
  • Complication rates were low, mostly mechanical, and a notable percentage of those who could walk before the treatment maintained their ability to do so after one year, suggesting ITB may be a beneficial early intervention.

Article Abstract

Objective: Evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of ITB in treating MS-related spasticity over ∼ 20 years of service provision in a single centre.

Methods: A single centre prospective observational cohort study was performed. Eligible subjects underwent ITB trial by bolus dose via lumbar puncture and responders proceeded to pump implantation. Demographics, spasticity scores (Ashworth), spasm score (Penn), stiffness, pain and discomfort (Visual Analogue Scale), mobility (10 M walk), spasticity treatment, and ITB doses were analysed longitudinally.

Results: 106 people were included with 568 patient years of data. Ashworth, Penn and VAS/NRS mean scores improved post-trial compared with baseline (p < 0.001). Sustained efficacy was reported on Ashworth, Penn and VAS scores over time. After 1 year, 73 (69%) discontinued all oral antispasticity medications. Complication rates were low at 0.05 complications per pump year and mostly mechanical (usually catheter) related. In 8 ambulatory subjects, 7 (87%) continued to walk one year after pump insertion, 5 (62%) were still walking at time of analysis (mean follow up 3.4 years).

Conclusions: ITB is an effective and safe long term treatment for refractory MS related spasticity. Efficacy was sustained over time and the majority of subjects subsequently discontinued systemic medications. In a small cohort, ability to walk was preserved, indicating ITB should be considered earlier in this cohort.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2018.10.009DOI Listing

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