Effects of intrathecal baclofen on daily care in children with secondary generalized dystonia: A pilot study

AimTreatment options for dystonic cerebral palsy (CP) are limited. Our aims were to determine whether intrathecal baclofen (ITB) improves daily care, decreases dystonia and decreases pain in patients with dystonic CP.MethodsPatients received randomized blinded treatment with ITB or placebo. Scores on problems of daily care were recorded and dystonia, pain and comfort were assessed.ResultsFour patients (three males, average age 12 years 6 months) were included (all Gross Motor Function Classification System level V). During the trial period problem scores and dystonia scores decreased in all four patients.ConclusionIn this pilot study we report positive functional effects of ITB trial treatment in four patients with dystonic CP. A randomized trial with a larger cohort is needed to verify these results.