Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation Research Articles

Uncovering the rate and risk factors of intrathecal baclofen pump-associated complications in the adult population.

The aim of this study was 1) to describe the rate of intrathecal baclofen (ITB)-associated complications at a large tertiary center, and 2) to evaluate the impact of patient-related factors on the likelihood of developing such complications. A retrospective single-center study was carried out. A total of 301 eligible patients were included in the analysis. Univariate regression models were used to evaluate the impact of age, sex, diagnosis, ambulation status, modified Ashworth scale score, body mass index, diabetes status, and pain level on the likelihood of developing a device-related infection, pump malfunction, catheter malfunction, and other clinically significant complications. Overall, 27% of patients experienced an ITB-related complication. The most common complications included infection (6%, 18/301), pump malfunction (7.3%, 22/301), and catheter malfunction (14%, 42/301). The univariate analyses revealed that the patient's ambulatory status had a significant impact on the likelihood of developing a catheter-related malfunction. Furthermore, a trend toward significance was identified between patients' preoperative body mass index and device-related infection. Finally, the risk of suffering any ITB-related complications was statistically correlated with the number of years that had passed since the initial pump implantation. The authors' analysis reveals a previously underrecognized association between ambulatory status at the time of ITB pump implantation and the incidence of catheter-related complications, and confirms the impact of time since surgery on the risk of developing any ITB-related complication. The patient's age, sex, diagnosis, diabetes status, or pain level at baseline were not associated with the risk of complications. Collectively, these insights contribute novel information to the existing literature, providing practical value for physicians in guiding patient selection for ITB therapy.

355 Risk Factors for Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation Infections: A Retrospective Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, can be delivered via intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps for patients with intractable spasticity. Prior literature has shown infection rates ranging between 10-30%. METHODS: A multi-institutional de-identified database TriNetX was queried to identify patients with: 1) implantation of ITB pump + infection within 6 months or 2) implantation of ITB pump without infection within 6 months. Two populations were analyzed: only pediatric patients, then patients of all ages. Characteristics were compared using log-rank tests and independent-sample t-tests. RESULTS: 1,880 patients were identified in the pediatric cohort, of which 236 (12.6%) developed infection. 13,936 patients of all ages were identified, of which 1955 (14.0%) developed infection. In pediatric patients who developed infection, there were higher rates of diagnoses of overweight and obesity, malnutrition, and hypokalemia; the prevalence of diabetes was also higher, but this analysis was limited by small sample size. In patients of all ages, all medical diagnoses assessed were significantly more prevalent in patients with infection. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates and platelets were significantly higher in all patients with an infection. Additionally, the number of emergency department visits within 6 months was significantly higher in the infection group for pediatric (t = 3.571, p = 0.0004) and all-age (t = 7.882, p < 0.0001) patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with certain comorbidities are at increased risk for infection post-ITB implantation. Since prevalence of diabetes, abnormal coagulation profile, tracheostomy, and B-vitamin deficiency remained significantly different between infection vs. no-infection cohorts as sample size increased with the addition of adults, these diagnoses should be considered when calculating the infection risk of ITB pump. Studies are underway to investigate the time of highest infection risk post-ITB implantation and the optimal time for ITB reimplantation after removal for infection.

Comparison of outcomes following surgical intervention and inpatient rehabilitation stays in children with cerebral palsy.

Literature is limited on functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) following surgical procedures and a subsequent inpatient rehabilitation unit (IRU) stay. To compare functional outcomes and length of stay (LOS) in children with CP following a surgical procedure and IRU stay based on the surgical procedure performed, pattern of involvement, etiology, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care pediatrics. Pediatric patients with CP who underwent one of three surgical procedures followed by an IRU stay. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), single-event multilevel orthopedic surgery (SEMLS), or intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation and subsequent IRU stay. IRU LOS, Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) total score, sub-scores, and efficiency. Children undergoing SDR had a longer LOS (p ≤ .015). Children with spastic diplegia, GMFCS level II, and prematurity-based CP had higher WeeFIM efficiency scores (p ≤ .046, ≤.021, and .034 respectively). Greater changes in WeeFIM™ scores were associated with spastic diplegia, SDR, GMFCS level II, longer LOS, and higher admission scores (p ≤ .045). Although statistically and functionally significant improvements in children with CP following surgical interventions and an IRU stay were seen, those with higher WeeFIM change scores tended to have spastic diplegia, to have undergone SDR, GMFCS level II, longer LOS, and higher admission scores.

Surgical treatment options for spasticity in children and adolescents with hereditary spastic paraplegia

PurposeTo provide an overview of outcome and complications of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and intrathecal baclofen pump implantation (ITB) for spasticity treatment in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).MethodsRetrospective study including children with HSP and SDR or ITB. Gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) scores and level of spasticity were assessed.ResultsTen patients were included (most had mutations in ATL1 (n = 4) or SPAST (n = 3) genes). Four walked without and two with walking aids, four were non-walking children. Six patients underwent SDR, three patients ITB, and one both. Mean age at surgery was 8.9 ± 4.5 years with a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2.2 years. Five of the SDR patients were walking. Postoperatively spasticity in the legs was reduced in all patients. The change in GMFM-66 score was + 8.0 (0–19.7 min–max). The three ITB patients treated (SPAST (n = 2) and PNPLA6 (n = 1) gene mutation) were children with a progressive disease course. No complications of surgery occurred.ConclusionsSDR is a feasible treatment option in carefully selected children with HSP, especially in walking patients. The majority of patients benefit with respect to gross motor function, complication risk is low. ITB was used in children with severe and progressive disease.

The impact of intrathecal baclofen on the ability to walk: A systematic review

Objective Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an effective treatment for lower limb spasticity. In ambulatory patients with spasticity, there is a justifiable concern that ITB treatment may compromise ambulatory function by reducing the heightened muscle tone, thereby unmasking underlying muscle weakness. ITB is hence offered with reservation in ambulant patients. In this article, we review the literature surrounding the effect of ITB therapy on ambulatory function in patients with concurrent spasticity and discuss the key findings. Data sources A literature search of ProQuest Medline and EBSCO CINAHL databases was performed. Review method Inclusion criteria included (a) studies reporting the effect of ITB in adult ambulatory patients; (b) studies with an intervention of screening test trial via either bolus injections or continuous infusion tests; and (c) studies with an intervention of ITB pump implantation. Seventeen eligible studies were identified and two authors independently assessed the study quality using the risk of bias in nonrandomised studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I). Results Seventeen studies were included, with a total of 534 participants. Most of the patients remain ambulatory after ITB treatment, accompanied by improvements in gait speed and reduction in spasticity. Conclusion ITB therapy when administered in carefully selected ambulatory patients with spasticity is not associated with loss of ambulatory function.

Attainment of personal goals in the first year of intrathecal baclofen treatment in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a prospective cohort study

Purpose To assess attainment of individual treatment goals one year after intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation in individuals with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods A multi-center prospective cohort study was conducted including 34 non-walking individuals with severe dyskinetic CP, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV/V, aged 4–24 years, 12 months after pump implantation. The main outcome measure was Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Predictors of GAS results were analyzed. Complications were registered systematically. Results Seventy-one percent of individuals with dyskinetic CP fully achieved one or more treatment goals. One or more treatment goals were partially achieved in 97% of individuals. Two factors were found to be associated with attainment of goals: Dyskinesia Impairment Scale (DIS) score at baseline and the difference in pain score between baseline and follow-up. These two variables explain 30% of the variance in the outcome. Conclusions Intrathecal baclofen is effective in achieving individual treatment goals in children and young adults with dyskinetic CP after nine to 12 months of ITB treatment. A positive outcome on treatment goals is, for a small part, associated with higher severity of dystonia at baseline and with improvement of pain during treatment. Clinical trial registration number Dutch Trial Register, number NTR3642. Implications for rehabilitation Intrathecal baclofen treatment is effective in attainment of personal treatment goals, one year after pump implantation in patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. A positive outcome on treatment goals is, for a small part, related to higher severity of dystonia at the start and on improvement of pain during treatment.

Infectious Complications and Operative Management of Intrathecal Baclofen Pumps in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 20 Years of Pooled Experience

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a treatment modality used to improve the quality of life of patients with intractable spasticity and dystonia. Although it is an effective solution in patients failing oral interventions, it is associated with potential infectious complications. It is known that pediatric patients with ITB have significantly higher infection rates compared with adult patients. The cause of these higher rates in pediatric patients remains unclear. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis focusing on the incidence of infection, and clarification of potential risk factors for infection in pediatric patients with ITB. This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic database search was performed through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Eligibility criteria and bias assessment were applied before statistical analysis. The 17 studies identified yielded 2238 pediatric patients treated with implanted ITB pumps between 1994 and 2014. Infection comprised 34% of observed complications, second only to catheter malfunction. Pediatric ITB primary infection ranged between 0% and 44% among included studies (interquartile range, 4.85%-18.85%). A linear mixed-effects regression model showed that subfascial implantation had 12% lower primary infection rates compared with subcutaneous implantations across the literature. The relative risk of infection was 56% lower in pediatric patients with subfascially implanted ITB pumps. Surgeons and clinicians should use these data to better assess patient risk-benefit when considering ITB pump implantation.

Parental Pain Catastrophizing, Communication Ability, and Post-surgical Pain Outcomes Following Intrathecal Baclofen Implant Surgery for Patients With Cerebral Palsy.

There is strong evidence that psychosocial variables, including pain catastrophizing, influence parental and child ratings of pain, pain expression, and long-term outcomes among children with chronic pain. The role of these factors among children who have communication deficits due to cerebral palsy (CP) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities is currently unclear. In this study, parental pain catastrophizing was assessed before intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation for spasticity management in 40 children and adolescents with CP, aged 4 to 24 years. Pain was assessed before and after surgery with two methods: a parent-reported pain interference scale, and behavioral pain signs during a standardized range of motion exam. Linear mixed models with clinical/demographic factors and scores from the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Parents (PCS-P), and child spoken language ability as predictors and the pain variables as the outcomes were implemented. On average, both pain outcomes improved after surgery. Only child spoken language ability predicted change in behavioral reactivity scores, with children with phrase speech showing an increase in reactivity at follow-up compared to pre-surgery levels, on average. A significant interaction between PCS-P scores and spoken language ability on change in pain interference scores over time showed that dyads with children with phrase speech whose parents reported high PCS-P scores reported the least improvement in pain interference at follow-up. Due to the preliminary nature of the study, future work is needed to investigate the parental behaviors that mediate the relationships between parental catastrophizing and pain outcomes in this population.

Does Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Lead to an Improvement in Impairments and Functional Limitations in Patients With Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)? A Retrospective Study

Research Objectives To investigate effects of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on impairments and functional limitations in the acquired brain injury population(ABI). Design A retrospective study using chart reviews using a standardized data collection form on inpatient brain injury units to collect data on effects of ITB therapy on the ABI population with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A standardized data collection form was utilized along with a procedural manual for data abstraction. Setting Specialized acute and sub acute brain injury units. Participants Initially, 59 subjects were considered and a total of 15 medical records had sufficient data to analyze which met our criteria. 12 male patients (80%) and three female patients (20%). The mean age for ITB pump implantation was 35.5 years and the range was 18-67 years of age. Interventions Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Therapy with adjunctive therapies (for example skilled therapy, local Botox injections, serial casting, medication). Main Outcome Measures Modified Ashworth Scores, Passive Range of Motion, Mobility, JFK Coma Recovery Scale- Revised. Results The most significant change was noted with Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores in the proximal hip muscle groups. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores with high significance (p-values ≤0.05) and large effect size (Cohen's D values >0.8) included right hip flexors, right hip extensors and R hip adductors. No statistically significant findings were found in other muscle groups, functional mobility, PROM and CRS-R (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised©) scales. Conclusions There were no significant changes noted in regards to functional status. However, data reflects improvements in spasticity of proximal hip musculature. This may result in improved positioning in bed or wheelchair as well as ease of hygiene and improved comfort. More research is recommended with a larger sample size and additional focus on pain and caregiver burden. Author(s) Disclosures All authors of this research study have no conflicts to disclose. To investigate effects of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on impairments and functional limitations in the acquired brain injury population(ABI). A retrospective study using chart reviews using a standardized data collection form on inpatient brain injury units to collect data on effects of ITB therapy on the ABI population with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A standardized data collection form was utilized along with a procedural manual for data abstraction. Specialized acute and sub acute brain injury units. Initially, 59 subjects were considered and a total of 15 medical records had sufficient data to analyze which met our criteria. 12 male patients (80%) and three female patients (20%). The mean age for ITB pump implantation was 35.5 years and the range was 18-67 years of age. Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Therapy with adjunctive therapies (for example skilled therapy, local Botox injections, serial casting, medication). Modified Ashworth Scores, Passive Range of Motion, Mobility, JFK Coma Recovery Scale- Revised. The most significant change was noted with Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores in the proximal hip muscle groups. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores with high significance (p-values ≤0.05) and large effect size (Cohen's D values >0.8) included right hip flexors, right hip extensors and R hip adductors. No statistically significant findings were found in other muscle groups, functional mobility, PROM and CRS-R (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised©) scales. There were no significant changes noted in regards to functional status. However, data reflects improvements in spasticity of proximal hip musculature. This may result in improved positioning in bed or wheelchair as well as ease of hygiene and improved comfort. More research is recommended with a larger sample size and additional focus on pain and caregiver burden.

Evaluation of the cognitive benefits of intrathecal baclofen pump implantation in people with intractable multiple sclerosis related spasticity

BackgroundSpasticity is a common problematic symptom in Multiple Sclerosis with over one third of patients failing first line therapies. Intrathecal baclofen is a safe and efficacious option for treatment resistant spasticity. Anecdotally patients report improved concentration/cognitive performance when switching to intrathecal baclofen (ITB) from systemic medications. AimTo explore whether subjects who proceed with ITB pump implantation for spasticity management and reduce oral anti-spasticity agents will have improved cognitive function. MethodsSubjects were admitted for trial of ITB via lumbar puncture and subsequent pump implantation. Spasticity and cognitive measures before ITB trial and 3 months post implant were recorded. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used for within subject change and effect sizes (Cohen's dz) were calculated. Subgroup analysis of those on ≥2, or ≤ 1 spasticity medications at baseline was performed. Results27 subjects with MS completed per protocol. Mean age 46 years [26 – 56], disease duration 15 years [6 – 26], RRMS = 3, SPMS = 17 and PPMS=7. The majority were on multiple spasticity medications. Spasticity scores significantly improved post pump implant. Mean ITB dose at 3 months was 143 mcg / day and 19 discontinued all other treatments for spasticity. There was no deterioration on any cognitive or mood measure. An improvement of moderate effect size was found in Backwards Digit Span (d=0.41, p=0.059) and HADS – anxiety (d=0.37, p=0.097). Fatigue Severity Scale score decreased substantially (d=0.81, p=0.005). Small improvements in Symbol Digit Modalities Test score (d=0.24) and Sustained Attention to Response Task response time (d=0.23) were non-significant. Performance on other measures did not change. Effect sizes were larger in subgroup on ≥2 oral spasticity medications at baseline, compared to the group on ≤1 medication (SDMT, d=0.42 vs d=0.07; Backwards digit span 0.45 vs 0.28; HADS-anxiety 0.39 vs 0.32; HADS-depression d=0.32 vs 0.05 and FSS, d= 1.14 vs 0.42). ConclusionsIn a pilot study exploring the impact of ITB on cognition, spasticity scores improved universally and beneficial effects on some measures of fatigue, anxiety, auditory attention and verbal working memory were found. Improvement of speed of processing in those withdrawing higher doses of oral medication was also demonstrated suggesting that switching to ITB has added cognitive and psychological benefits for people with MS.

Complications of intrathecal baclofen pump treatment in children with spastic cerebral palsy. A comparative analysis of patients weighing over or under 20 kg at the time of implantation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of complications in pediatric spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patients weighing less than 20 kg at the time of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation and to compare it with spastic CP patients heavier than 20 kg. Twenty-seven patients with spastic CP (14 males) treated with ITB implantation at our institution between January 2002 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight of the 27 patients had a bodyweight below 20 kg (group A) and 19 had weight above 20 kg (group B). Group A had a significantly more important proportion of patients with the Gross Motor Function Classification System V compared to group B (88 vs. 42%). The median follow-up was respectively 2.5 (1.8-4.6) and 4.6 (1.9-10.0) years in groups A and B. Median age at the time of ITB implantation was 7.4 (2.8-12.8) and 13.7 (6.5-16.8) years in groups A and B (P = 0.002). The proportion of patients with complications or reoperation was NS between groups A and B (P > 0.05). No postoperative infections were recorded in any of the groups. During follow-up, five patients died (63%) in group A and three (16%) in group B (P = 0.049) within 3.8 years on average after ITB implantation. ITB therapy in spastic CP patients weighing less than 20 kg seems to be as well tolerated and effective as it is in heavier (>20 kg) pediatric patients.

Surgical treatment of spasticity: intrathecal baclofen pump implantation under subarachnoid block.

Most patients with spasticity, rigidity, and other symptoms of the upper motor neuron syndrome respond effectively to surgical treatment with an intrathecal baclofen pump when their symptoms become intractable to nonsurgical measures. Baclofen administered into the lumbar subarachnoid space produces a locally high concentration at the spinal level and a low concentration supraspinally, avoiding most of the central side effects associated with a high oral dose, such as drowsiness and confusion.The aim of surgical treatment is to provide the appropriate volume and concentration of the drug in the subarachnoid space, avoiding the main surgical complications, that is, infections, skin erosion, and catheter displacement.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/HetelPwwwak

Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Versus Globus Pallidus Interna Deep Brain Stimulation in Adult Patients with Severe Cerebral Palsy

There is no consensus on a standardized approach to spasticity or dystonia management of cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and compare therapeutic responses for pallidal stimulation versus intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in adult patients with severe CP. We retrospectively reviewed patients with CP treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) or implantation of ITB pump between June 2003 and April 2017. Patients were included if they were clinically diagnosed with medically intractable CP and had >12 months of postprocedural follow-up data. Patients were assessed before and 12 months post-treatment using the visual analogue scale, Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, self-rating improvement scale, and 36-Item Short-Form General Health Survey Questionnaire. Patients (n= 22) were divided into GPi DBS (n= 12) and ITB therapy (n= 10) groups. For the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, DBS group movement scores and ITB group disability scores were significantly improved post-treatment. Although visual analogue scales did not differ between groups, self-rating improvement scores differed significantly between groups. For quality of life, physical functioning, body pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental health significantly improved in ITB group 12 months post-treatment compared with those of preoperative period. Only mental health differed significantly between groups. Despite retrospective design and relatively low number of cases, this study indicated that ITB therapy was less invasive and more effective in improving the quality of life compared with GPi DBS. ITB therapy should be considered an alternative treatment for patients with severe CP.

Intrathecal baclofen pump implantation for complex regional pain syndrome in a patient with a spinal cord stimulator: consideration about optimal location of intrathecal catheter tip - A case report -

Intrathecal baclofen pump implantation for complex regional pain syndrome in a patient with a spinal cord stimulator: consideration about optimal location of intrathecal catheter tip - A case report -

Readmission and complications within 30days after intrathecal baclofen pump placement.

To describe 30-day outcomes after intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump placement in children and identify risk factors for readmission, reoperation, and perioperative complication using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database. Patients aged 0 to 18years who underwent ITB pump placement (2012-2014) comprised the study cohort defined in the database. Multivariate regression analysis was performed using preoperative and perioperative data from the American College of Surgeons' NSQIP-P database. Outcomes of interest within 30 days of surgery were (1) unplanned reoperation; (2) unplanned readmission; and (3) composite postoperative event, including complication, reoperation, and/or readmission. We identified 423 surgeries; 246 (58.2%) patients were male, 177 (41.8%) patients were female. Median age was 12years and 11months. Median operative time was 70minutes (interquartile range 56-97min). Mean length of stay was 3.8days. The patient population had a high number of medical comorbidities. The overall readmission rate was 7.3%; mean postoperative admission date was 14.1days after surgery. Of readmitted patients, 64.5% underwent reoperation. The most common indication for reoperation was surgical site infection. Female sex was associated with decreased risk of readmission (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.65; p=0.01); American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification of greater than or equal to 3 was associated with decreased risk of unplanned return to surgery (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.66; p=0.04); length of stay greater than or equal to 3days at index surgery was associated with increased risk of composite 30-day perioperative event (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.29-4.20; p=0.01). Our data provide national perspectives on 30-day perioperative outcomes for ITB pump placement in children. Results illustrate NSQIP-P database collection methodology and highlight opportunities for quality improvement in clinical practice. Seven percent of patients who underwent intrathecal baclofen pump placementrequired readmission within 30days. The most common indication for reoperation was surgical site infection.

Continuous intrathecal baclofen delivery in severely disabling spasticity

Background/Aim. Spasticity is the consequence of several clinical conditions including cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, aneurysm bleeding, and some other neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) treatment in medically intractable severely disabling spasticity and present the challenges encountered during pump implantation surgery on these patients. Methods. The patients who underwent intrathecal baclofen pump implantation surgery between the years 2012 and 2015 with minimum follow-up of six months were recruited from the clinic archives. Twenty two patients with severe spasticity who had Modified Asworth Spasticity Scale (MASS) score of 3 or 4 were enrolled in our series. Eight of twenty-two patients were at pediatric age and they all were non-ambulant before surgery. Results. All of the patients underwent programmable intrathecal baclofen pump implantation surgery. Catheters were placed via percutaneous technique into to the subarachnoid space in 18 patients while, we had to perform partial hemi-laminectomy in order to place the catheters in 4 patients. All the patients improved significantly and 5 began using upper extremities and 3 adults became ambulant following physical therapy. Mean of the MASS scores improved from 3.59 to 1.32 (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The ITB therapy obviously increased quality of life and functional outcome in patients with disabling spasticity. As a result, physical treatment was more useful for these patients. Although some spinal abnormalities due to spasticity may necessitate partial hemilaminectomy to implant the pump, patients with intractable spasticity should be given the chance of intrathecal baclofen treatment at the earliest period of their lifetime disability.

A Novel Skin and Fascia Opening for Subfascial Inserting of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump.

The aim of this article is to introduce a new skin and fascia opening for intrathecal baclofen pump implantation in the abdomen, with the purpose of reducing complications related to wound breakdown. We introduce a novel way of cutaneous and fascial opening that leads two opposed "L shaped" incisions. This method entails numerous advantages. The first advantage is avoiding the direct alignment of overlapped sutures, which creates a locus minoris resistentiae that can weaken and break under the push of the pump. Another advantage consists of an increased obstruction against deep extension of infective processes from cutaneous origin. The wide opening of the subfascial pocket permits the implantation of any type of pump available, and it reduces complexities in reopening the pouch for pump replacement. It also permits the fastening of all anchoring systems usually present in pumps. Another advantage is the improved possibility of careful muscle cauterization thanks to the wide fascia opening, with reduced risk of postsurgical hematoma. Our results showed a reduction of wound complications with this method. This method could contribute to reducing the rate of wound complications and patient discomfort.

Hyperbaric trauma of an intrathecal baclofen pump secondary to scuba diving: About one case

Spasticity is a frequent consequence to a cerebral or spinal cord damage. Therapeutic strategies depend on the repercussions on patients’ daily activities and the fact that is a focal or spread spasticity. Intrathecal Baclofen pump (ITB Pump) implantation come with a frequent medical follow-up, and a specific patient's education as some complications may occur. Case report. A 60-year-old male patient was implanted with ITB Pump 15 years after a traumatic spinal cord injury of level T11 ASIA-A and Frankel-A. He is independent in his daily life and rather active. During his follow-up, 2 back-to-back refill procedures were limited to 14 mL of drug out of a usual 20 mL reservoir. The patient had gone back to scuba diving 4 months before without medical awareness or specific precautions, sometimes even below 10 meters. This induced the bottom shield of the pump to collapse under the pressure and repeated hyperbaric exposures. X-Rays prove the permanent mechanical deformation of the device. The ITB pump continues to work normally. The risks of hyperbaric exposure on the ITB pumps are described by the device company. A pressure higher than 2.0 ATA (hyperbaric chambers or dive below 10 meters) may have effects on the drug delivery and/or on the device itself. It can vary from small withdrawal symptoms to fatal drug underdose. Despite the potential permanent deformation, the other side effects should disappear when returning to normal pressure. Doctors and patients must be aware and talk about physical activities as well as other daily life situations as more and more young patients are under ITB pump. Because some risks are specific to sports that are not so rare as we might think.

Outcomes of intrathecal baclofen therapy in patients with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury.

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) has been known to reduce spasticity which did not respond to oral medications and botulinum toxin treatment. However, few results have been reported comparing the effects of ITB therapy in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury. This study aimed to investigate beneficial and adverse effects of ITB bolus injection and pump therapy in patients with CP and to compare outcomes to patients with acquired brain injury such as traumatic brain injury and hypoxic brain injury. ITB test trials were performed in 37 patients (19 CP and 18 acquired brain injury). Based on ambulatory function, CP patients were divided into 2 groups: 11 patients with nonambulatory CP and 8 patients with ambulatory CP. Change of spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Additional positive or negative effects were also evaluated after ITB bolus injection. In patients who received ITB pump implantation, outcomes of spasticity, subjective satisfaction and adverse events were evaluated until 12 months post-treatment. After ITB bolus injection, 32 patients (86.5%) (CP 84.2% versus acquired brain injury 88.9%) showed a positive response of reducing spasticity. However, 8 patients with CP had negative adverse effects. Particularly, 3 ambulatory CP patients showed standing impairment and 1 ambulatory CP patient showed impaired gait pattern such as foot drop because of excessive reduction of lower extremity muscle tone. Ambulatory CP patients received ITB pump implantation less than patients with acquired brain injury after ITB test trials (P = .003 by a chi-squared test). After the pump implantation, spasticity was significantly reduced within 1 month and the effect maintained for 12 months. Seventeen patients or their caregivers (73.9%) were very satisfied, whereas 5 patients (21.7%) suffered from adverse events showed no subjective satisfaction. In conclusion, ITB therapy was effective in reducing spasticity in patients with CP and acquired brain injury. Before ITB pump implantation, it seems necessary to perform the ITB bolus injection to verify beneficial effects and adverse effects especially in ambulatory CP.

THC:CBD (Nabiximols) has a beneficial effect on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) related spasticity and delays or negates the need for Intrathecal Baclofen pump implantation (P3.342)

THC:CBD (Nabiximols) has a beneficial effect on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) related spasticity and delays or negates the need for Intrathecal Baclofen pump implantation (P3.342)