Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Intrathecal baclofen infusion is often used as a therapy for spasticity in children and adults, with pediatric cases more associated with infections. Infection leads to the need for pump explantation and is associated with a significantly increased hospitalization cost. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed demographic, clinical, and economic data for children who underwent surgery for intrathecal baclofen pumps at a single institution from 2009-2020. Bivariable analyses (chi-squared tests) were conducted to compare differences in clinical characteristics between patients with surgical site infection and those without. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare total charges per patient between patients who had an infection versus those who did not. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients undergoing 442 surgeries were included. The cohort was 64% male and 84% Caucasian, with a mean age of 13.3 years. The most common indication for placement was cerebral palsy. Infection occurred in 28 patients (14% infection rate). The most common organisms were methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive staph aureus. The pump model, access site, and the number of surgeons scrubbed were not associated with infection. Total hospital charges (for all surgeries) were significantly higher for patients with an infection versus those who did not ($231,762 vs. $187,028, p=0.0078), with an average charge increase of $44,734 associated with surgical site infection. CONCLUSIONS: In our single-center series, the most common indication for baclofen pump placement was cerebral palsy, with an infection rate of 14%, close to other rates reported in the literature. Total hospital charges were higher for patients with an associated surgical site infection than those without one.
Published Version
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