Adult Spasticity Research Articles

PND37 Cost-Effectiveness of BoNT-A Products for Treatment of Pediatric Spasticity in the United Kingdom

For children with impaired motor function, pain, or other functional difficulties attributable to focal spasticity, the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines recommend treatment with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A). Two BoNT-A products are licensed for pediatric use in the United Kingdom: abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) and onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNT-A), but these treatments differ in terms of doses, costs, and injection frequencies. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the average expenditure per response obtained with aboBoNT-A or onaBoNT-A for managing pediatric spasticity of the upper (ULS) and lower (LLS) limbs. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted for BoNT-A treatment of ULS and LLS in the UK. Effectiveness was defined as response to therapy and was based on data from systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. BoNT-A dose was based on product label and the average weight of a pediatric (6-year-old) patient in the UK. Injection interval was based on clinical trial data, adjusted to consider differences in use observed in real-world studies of BoNT-A use in adult spasticity. Resource use for responders and non-responders was based on a survey of UK physicians treating pediatric LLS. Unit costs were informed by UK fee schedules. AboBoNT-A resulted in lower annual costs compared with onaBoNT-A for the management of ULS (£487 saved) and LLS (£429 saved). Results were driven by differences in injection intervals and a higher treatment response rate for people receiving aboBoNT-A compared with onaBoNT-A. Total cost per responder was lower for people receiving aboBoNT-A compared with onaBoNT-A (ULS: £37,880 vs. £50,100; LLS: £46,459 vs. £66,037). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses. AboBoNT-A may be a cost-effective choice for treatment of spasticity in children. These findings could help deliver more effective and efficient healthcare in the UK.

PND18 BoNT-As for Adult Spasticity and Cervical Dystonia: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and the Cost of Response in the United Kingdom

For adults with spasticity or cervical dystonia (CD), treatment with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) has been shown to improve achievement of treatment goals. Considering the costs of available BoNT-A therapies could increase the efficiency of healthcare spending. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the average expenditures per response obtained with abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) and onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNT-A) for spasticity and CD. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted to compare aboBoNT-A and onaBoNT-A for treatment of upper limb spasticity (ULS), lower limb spasticity (LLS), and CD, in the United Kingdom. Effectiveness was defined as response to therapy. Response rates and dosing were based on observational studies for ULS and CD. For LLS, real-world observational data were not available, so response rates were based on systematic literature reviews with meta-analysis of clinical trials and dosing based on UK product labels. BoNT-A treatment intervals were based on real-world data when available (ULS), or otherwise were assumed to follow similar patterns to those observed in clinical trials (LLS and CD). Resource use for responders and non-responders was based on a UK physician survey. Unit costs were informed by UK fee schedules. Compared with onaBoNT-A, aboBoNT-A resulted in lower annual costs per patient for the management of ULS, LLS, and CD (savings of £302, £584, and £422, respectively). Results were driven by differences in injection intervals and a higher treatment response rate for people receiving aboBoNT-A compared with onaBoNT-A. Total cost per responder was lower for patients receiving aboBoNT-A compared with onaBoNT-A (ULS: £43,266 vs £55,416; LLS: £98,962 vs £209,376; CD: £13,883 vs £21,817). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses. With high response rates and low costs, aboBoNT-A may be an efficient choice for treating adult spasticity and cervical dystonia in the UK.

Effects of dry needling on muscle spasticity in adults with neurological disorders: a systematic review

Background Spasticity is a motor disorder often associated with decreased ROM, ADL performance, and QOL. DN has shown potential to improve spasticity by stimulating spastic muscle tissue with a stainless steel monofilament needle. Objective To determine the effects of dry needling (DN) on muscle spasticity in adults with neurological disorders. Methods Literature search of Cochrane, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest was conducted. Search limits: English, journals, human subjects, 2009–2019. Selection criteria: Adults 18+ with neurological disorders and interventions included dry needling as treatment for spasticity. Two reviewers, for methodological quality based on Oxford Levels of Evidence, independently assessed each study. Results Ten articles met the selection criteria, all showing reductions in spasticity. Secondary outcomes were reported with improvements at the impairment level including muscle length, range of motion, pain, and motor performance (Fugl-Meyer motor subscale); and at the functional level including hand dexterity (box and block test), balance (computerized dynamic posturography) and mobility (TUG). Conclusions There is low to moderate evidence in support of using DN to decrease spasticity in adults with neurological disorders, specifically in those with a history of stroke. Limitations included lack of follow-up and small sample sizes. Further high-level research is required to determine long-term outcomes of DN in spastic muscles. There was a short-term decrease in spasticity of target muscles after the performance of DN. Evidence included improvements at the impairment and functional levels after the use of DN. DN poses as a safe, feasible option to improve spasticity and impact other targeted outcomes in adults with neurological disorders.

Botulinum toxin type-A preparations are not the same medications - clinical studies (Part 2).

The growing number of Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) preparations on the market has resulted in a search for pharmacological, clinical and pharmacoeconomic differences. Patients are occasionally switched from one botulinum toxin formulation to another. The aim of this paper was to review studies that have made direct comparisons of the three major BoNT/A preparations presently on the market: ona-, abo- and incobotulinumtoxinA. We also review the single medication Class I pivotal and occasionally Class II-IV studies, as well as recommendations and guidelines to show how effective doses have been adopted in well-established indications such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia and adult spasticity. Neither direct head-to-head studies nor single medication studies between all preparations allow the formation of universal conversion ratios. All preparations should be treated as distinct medications with respect to their summary of product characteristics when used in everyday practice.

Long-Term Observational Results from the ASPIRE Study: OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Adult Lower Limb Spasticity.

IntroductionOnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for spasticity varies according to numerous factors and is individualized to meet treatment goals.ObjectiveTo explore real‐world onabotulinumtoxinA utilization and effectiveness in patients with lower limb spasticity from the Adult Spasticity International Registry (ASPIRE) study.DesignTwo‐year, multicenter, prospective, observational registry (NCT01930786).SettingFifty‐four international clinical sites.PatientsAdults (naïve or non‐naïve to botulinum toxin[s] treatment for spasticity, across multiple etiologies) with lower limb spasticity related to upper motor neuron syndrome.InterventionsOnabotulinumtoxinA administered at the clinician's discretion.Main Outcome MeasuresOnabotulinumtoxinA treatment utilization, clinician‐ and patient‐reported satisfaction.ResultsIn ASPIRE, 530 patients received ≥1 onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for lower limb spasticity (mean age, 52 years; stroke, 49.4%; multiple sclerosis, 20.4%). Equinovarus foot was treated most often (80.9% of patients), followed by flexed knee (26.0%), stiff extended knee (22.5%), and flexed toes (22.3%). OnabotulinumtoxinA doses ranged between 10 and 1100 U across all presentations. Electromyography (EMG) was most commonly used for injection localization (≥41.1% of treatment sessions). Despite low patient response on the satisfaction questionnaire, clinicians (94.6% of treatment sessions) and patients (84.5%) reported satisfaction/extreme satisfaction that treatment helped manage spasticity, and clinicians (98.3%) and patients (91.6%) would probably/definitely continue onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. These data should be interpreted with care. Twenty‐one adverse events (AEs) in 18 patients (3.4%) were considered treatment‐related. Sixty‐seven patients (12.6%) reported 138 serious AEs; 3 serious AEs in two patients (0.4%) were considered treatment‐related. No new safety signals were identified.ConclusionsASPIRE provides long‐term observational data on the treatment of lower limb spasticity with onabotulinumtoxinA. Real‐world data from this primary analysis can help to guide the clinical use of onabotulinumtoxinA to improve spasticity management.

Efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of lower-limb spasticity in adults: The pattern customized study design

Efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of lower-limb spasticity in adults: The pattern customized study design

Corrigendum to AbobotulinumtoxinA injections in shoulder muscles to improve adult upper limb spasticity: Results from a phase 4 real-world study and a phase 3 open-label trial.

Botulinum toxins, such as abobotulinumtoxinA, are used to treat spasticity (muscle overactivity) in arm muscles. Spasticity in shoulder muscles occurs in many patients following a stroke. Shoulder spasticity can be painful and limit limb movement. This paper compares the results from patients who did and those who did not receive abobotulinumtoxinA injections in shoulder muscles (among other arm muscles) in 2 studies. In both studies, the results showed that more patients receiving treatment in shoulder muscles chose pain as a key goal for treatment and had reduced pain following treatment compared with patients not treated in the shoulder. In addition, patients receiving shoulder injections showed further improvement in arm movement compared with those not receiving shoulder injections. Overall, these results suggest that abobotulinumtoxinA treatment in shoulder muscles may improve outcomes for patients with arm spasticity involving the shoulder.

BoNT-As for adult spasticity and cervical dystonia: Cost-effectiveness analysis and the cost of response in the United Kingdom

BoNT-As for adult spasticity and cervical dystonia: Cost-effectiveness analysis and the cost of response in the United Kingdom

Long-Term Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Lower Limb Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on reducing lower limb post-stroke spasticity in adults. A systematic electronic search of PubMed/ MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE(R), and search engine of Google Scholar was performed. Publications that ranged from January 2010 to August 2020, published in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian language and available as full texts were eligible for inclusion and they were searched without any restrictions of country. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two authors screened the references, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was spasticity grade mainly assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were passive range of motion (PROM), pain intensity, electrophysiological parameters, gait assessment, and adverse events. A total of seven recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, and a beneficial effect on spasticity was found. The high level of evidence presented in this paper showed that ESWT ameliorates spasticity considering the parameters: MAS: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.53; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): (0.07–0.99); Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS): SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: (0.01–1.12); Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): SMD = 0.35; 95% CI: (−0.21–0.91); PROM: SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: (0.20–1.19). ESWT presented long-term efficacy on lower limb post-stroke spasticity, reduced pain intensity, and increased range of motion. The effect of this novel and non-invasive therapy was significant and the intervention did not present adverse events, proving a satisfactory safety profile.

Effect of lidocaine iontophoresis combined with exercise intervention on gait andspasticity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

Gait deviations and spasticity are common impairments seen in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and may interfere with functional performance and effective walking pattern. Lidocaine iontophoresis is effective for reducing muscle spasticity in adults. To investigate the effect of lidocaine epinephrine iontophoresis combined with exercises on gait and spasticity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). Thirty children with spastic HCP aged 4-6 (5.20±0.32) years were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Children in both groups received one hour of exercises, three times a week for three months. Children in the experimental group received 2% lidocaine iontophoresis immediately before the exercises. The lidocaine iontophoresis was delivered for 20 minutes (1mA/min). Spatio-temporal gait parameters were assessed within one week before and after the intervention using 3D motion analysis. Surface electromyography was used to assess muscle tone using H/M ratio of the soleus muscle. ANOVA was used to investigate the differences between experimental and control groups. Statistical significance was set at P value less than 0.05. There was no difference between groups at baseline. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements when compared to the control group for gait speed (p = 0.03), stride length (p = 0.04), cadence (p = 0.0001), cycle time (p = 0.0001), and H/M ratio (p = 0.02). Lidocaine iontophoresis combined with exercises was effective in improving gait spatiotemporal parameters and reducing spasticity in children with CP.

Management of spasticity in adults

Spasticity is one of the most common and disabling impairments seen in patients with an upper motor neurone disorder such as stroke, brain injury and multiple sclerosis. It is increasingly accepted that spasticity remains an unrecognised and underdiagnosed impairment in primary care. This is worrying, as untreated spasticity leading to permanent contractures can be a late presentation in many conditions. There is an onus on GPs to recognise the common symptoms of spasticity and initiate management. This article will focus on practical aspects in the management of spasticity including timely referral to secondary care.

High clinician- and patient-reported satisfaction with individualized onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for spasticity across several etiologies from the ASPIRE study

Etiology-specific onabotulinumtoxinA utilization to manage spasticity is largely unknown. In this 1-year interim analysis, we evaluated real-world onabotulinumtoxinA utilization and effectiveness across several etiologies from the Adult Spasticity International Registry (ASPIRE) study. ASPIRE is a multicenter, prospective, observational registry (NCT01930786) examining stroke, multiple sclerosis [MS], cerebral palsy [CP], traumatic brain injury [TBI], and spinal cord injury [SCI] patients with spasticity treated with onabotulinumtoxinA at the clinician's discretion. Assessments included onabotulinumtoxinA utilization (each session), clinician (subsequent session)/patient (5±1 weeks post-treatment) satisfaction, and the Disability Assessment Scale (DAS; subsequent session). 730 patients received ≥1 onabotulinumtoxinA treatment, with 37% naïve to botulinum toxin(s) for spasticity. The most common etiology was stroke (n=411, 56%), followed by MS (N=119, 16%), CP (N=77, 11%), TBI (N=45, 6%), and SCI (N=42, 6%). The total body mean cumulative dose (±SD) of onabotulinumtoxinA per session ranged from 296 U (±145) in CP to 406 U (±152) in TBI. The most commonly treated upper limb presentations were clenched fist (stroke, MS, and SCI), flexed wrist (CP), and flexed elbow (TBI). Equinovarus foot was the most commonly treated lower limb presentation in all etiologies. Stroke patients showed improved DAS scores for nearly all subscales in both limbs, indicative of improved global function. All etiologies showed improved lower limb mobility DAS scores. Across all sessions, clinicians (range: 87.4% [SCI]-94.2% [CP]) and patients (range: 67.6% [TBI]-89.7% [SCI]) reported extreme satisfaction/satisfaction that onabotulinumtoxinA helped manage spasticity, and clinicians (range: 94.6% [TBI]-98.8% [CP]) and patients (range: 88.4% [stroke]-91.2% [TBI]) would definitely/probably continue treatment. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and treatment-related serious adverse events (TRSAEs) were reported as follows: stroke: 10 TRAEs (2.2% patients), 3 TRSAEs (0.5%); MS: 5 TRAEs (4.2%), 0 TRSAEs; CP: 0 TRAEs, 0 TRSAEs; TBI: 1 TRAEs (2.2%), 0 TRSAEs; SCI: 0 TRAEs, 0 TRSAEs. No new safety signals were identified. High clinician- and patient-reported satisfaction were observed following individualized onabotulinumtoxinA treatment, as well as improved global function. Interim results from ASPIRE demonstrate etiology-specific similarities and differences in clinical approaches to manage spasticity.

FDA Approvals and Consensus Guidelines for Botulinum Toxins in the Treatment of Dystonia.

In 2016, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) published practice guidelines for botulinum toxin (BoNT) in the treatment of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, adult spasticity, and headache. This article, focusing on dystonia, provides context for these guidelines through literature review. Studies that led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of each toxin for dystonia indications are reviewed, in addition to several studies highlighted by the AAN guidelines. The AAN guidelines for the use of BoNT in dystonia are compared with those of the European Federation of the Neurological Societies (EFNS), and common off-label uses for BoNT in dystonia are discussed. Toxins not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of dystonia are additionally reviewed. In the future, additional toxins may become FDA-approved for the treatment of dystonia given expanding research in this area.

Patient Perspectives on the Therapeutic Profile of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Spasticity.

Background: Botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) injections are first-line treatment for adult spasticity. Prior patient surveys have reported that BoNT-A treatment improves quality of life but that symptoms usually recur before the next injection. We aimed to explore, in-depth, patient perceptions of the impact of spasticity and the waning of BoNT-A therapeutic effects.Methods: An internet-based survey was conducted through Carenity, an online patient community, from May to September 2019 in France, Germany, Italy, UK and USA. Eligible respondents were adult patients with spasticity due to stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) who had ≥2 previous BoNT-A injections.Results: Two hundred and ten respondents (mean 47.2 years) met screening criteria and had their responses analyzed. Overall, 43% of respondents had spasticity due to stroke, 30% due to TBI and 27% due to SCI. The mean [95% CI] injection frequency for spasticity management was 3.6 [3.4–3.7] injections/year. Respondents described the time profile of their response to BoNT-A. The mean reported onset of therapeutic effect was 12.9 [12.1–13.7] days and the mean time to peak effect was 5.0 [4.7–5.4] weeks. Symptom re-emergence between injections was common (83%); the time from injection to symptom re-emergence was 89.4 [86.3–92.4] days. Muscle spasms usually re-emerge first (64%), followed by muscle stiffness or rigidity (40%), and limb pain (20%). Over half (52%) of respondents said they had lost their self-confidence, 46% experienced depression and 41% experienced a lack of sleep due to their spasticity symptoms in the past 12 months. Following a report of symptom re-emergence, the most common management approaches were to add adjunctive treatments (36%), increase the BoNT-A dose (28%), and wait for the next injection (27%). Seventy two percentage of respondents said they would like a longer lasting BoNT-A treatment.Conclusions: Patients with spasticity can expect a characteristic profile of BoNT-A effects, namely time lag to onset and peak effect followed by a gradual decline in the symptomatic benefits. Symptom re-emergence is common and has significant impact on quality of life. Greater patient/clinician awareness of this therapeutic profile should lead to better level of overall satisfaction with treatment, informed therapeutic discussions and treatment schedule planning.

Patient Perspectives on the Impact of Adult Spasticity on Daily Life and its Management with Botulinum Toxin Type A (1639)

Patient Perspectives on the Impact of Adult Spasticity on Daily Life and its Management with Botulinum Toxin Type A (1639)

IncobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy \u2013 a retrospective case series focusing on dosing and tolerability

BackgroundIncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) is a botulinum neurotoxin type A with established efficacy in the treatment of upper-limb spasticity in adults. This retrospective case series in a university hospital setting aimed to elucidate the safety and tolerability of incobotulinumtoxinA for treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.MethodsParticipants received incobotulinumtoxinA injections up to a maximum total dose of 600 U, 24 U/kg body weight. Medical records were reviewed for key demographic information, incobotulinumtoxinA exposure, and adverse effects (AEs).ResultsSixty-nine children were included (mean age [SD], 8.3 [3.9] years; 44/69 [63.8%] male). One-hundred-and-ninety-one injections were administered, with mean (SD) of 2.8 (1.5) treatment cycles/participant and dosing interval of 6.0 (1.7) months. The number of muscles injected increased from 2.4 (1.2) at cycle 1 to 4.2 (1.9) at cycle 6. The mean (SD) total incobotulinumtoxinA dose increased from 191.7 (126.2) U, (8.5 [5.4] U/kg body weight) at cycle 1 to 368.0 (170.1) U, (9.9 [5.5] U/kg body weight) at cycle 6. Seventy four adverse effects (37.5% of injections) were reported, the most frequent was injection pain (93.2% of AEs). Only three AEs were considered directly treatment-related by injectors: muscle weakness, generalized weakness, and fever.ConclusionsOur clinical experience indicates that incobotulinumtoxinA is a well-tolerated treatment option for focal spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.Trial registrationAs the study was observational and retrospective, no EudraCT registration number was requested. The internal code assigned to the study in the administrative resolution was: 1143-N-15.

The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Adult Spasticity- A Case Study

The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Adult Spasticity- A Case Study

Individualized OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Upper Limb Spasticity Resulted in High Clinician- and Patient-Reported Satisfaction: Long-Term Observational Results from the ASPIRE Study.

IntroductionOnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for spasticity is dependent on numerous factors and varies according to selected treatment goals.ObjectiveTo examine real‐world onabotulinumtoxinA treatment utilization and effectiveness in patients with upper limb spasticity over 2 years from the Adult Spasticity International Registry (ASPIRE) study.DesignMulticenter, prospective, observational registry (NCT01930786).SettingFifty‐four international clinical sites in North America, Europe, and Asia.PatientsAdults (naïve or non‐naïve to botulinum toxins for spasticity) with upper limb focal spasticity related to upper motor neuron syndrome across multiple etiologies.InterventionsOnabotulinumtoxinA administered at clinician's discretion.Main Outcome MeasuresOnabotulinumtoxinA utilization, clinician and patient satisfaction.ResultsFour hundred eighty‐four patients received ≥1 treatment of onabotulinumtoxinA for upper limb spasticity. Patients were on average 55.1 years old, 50.8% male, predominantly Caucasian (72.3%), and 38.6% were naïve to botulinum toxins. Stroke was the most frequently reported underlying etiology (74.0%). Most patients (81.2%) had moderate to severe spasticity at baseline. The most commonly treated upper limb clinical presentation was clenched fist (79.1% of patients). Across all presentations, onabotulinumtoxinA doses ranged between 5‐600U. Electromyography (EMG) was most often utilized to localize muscles (≥57.0% of treatment sessions). Clinicians (92.9% of treatment sessions) and patients (85.7%) reported being extremely satisfied/satisfied that treatment helped manage spasticity, and clinicians (98.6%) and patients (92.2%) would definitely/probably continue onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. One hundred seventy‐nine patients (37.0%) reported 563 adverse events (AEs); 15 AEs in 14 patients (2.9%) were considered treatment related. Sixty‐nine patients (14.3%) reported 137 serious AEs; 3 serious AEs in 2 patients (0.4%) were considered treatment related. No new safety signals were identified.ConclusionsASPIRE captured the real‐world individualized nature of onabotulinumtoxinA utilization for upper limb spasticity over 2 years, with consistently high clinician‐ and patient‐reported satisfaction. Data in this primary analysis will guide clinical use of onabotulinumtoxinA, as well as provide insights to improve educational programs on spasticity management.

Inequalities in pharmacologic treatment of spasticity in Sweden \u2013 health economic consequences of closing the treatment gap

BackgroundThe Swedish Healthcare Act states that patients should have equal access to healthcare. This study addresses at how this translates to pharmacological treatment of adult spasticity, including injections with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) and pumps for intrathecal baclofen (ITB). To address potential economic incentives for treatment differences, the results are also set into a health economic perspective.Thus, the current study provides a detailed and comprehensive overview for informed decision- and policymaking.MethodsBotulinum toxin use was retrieved from sales data. Clinical practice regarding mean BoNT-A treatment dose and proportion used for spasticity indication were validated in five county councils, while the number of ITB pumps were mapped for all county councils. Published costs and quality of life data was used for estimating required responder rates for cost-balance or cost-effectiveness.ResultsThe proportion of patients treated with BoNT-A varied between 5.8% and 13.6% across healthcare regions, with a mean of 9.2% on a national level. The reported number of ITB pumps per 100,000 inhabitants varied between 3.6 and 14.1 across healthcare regions, with a national mean of 6/100,000.The estimated incremental cost for reaching treatment equity was EUR 1,976,773 per year for BoNT-A and EUR 3,326,692 for ITB pumps. Based on expected cost-savings, responder rates ranging between 4% and 15% cancelled out the incremental cost for BoNT-A. Assuming no cost-savings, responder rates of 14% or 36% was required for cost-effectiveness.ConclusionsThere is a marked variation in pharmacologic treatment of adult spasticity in Sweden. Overall, the results indicate an underuse of treatment and need for harmonisation of clinical practice. Furthermore, the incremental cost for reaching treatment equity is likely to be offset by spasticity-associated cost-savings.

Does casting after botulinum toxin injection improve outcomes in adults with limb spasticity? A systematic review.

To determine current evidence for casting as an adjunct therapy following botulinum toxin injection for adult limb spasticity. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English language studies from 1990 to August 2018. Full-text studies using a casting protocol following botulinum toxin injection for adult participants for limb spasticity were included. Studies were graded according to Sackett's levels of evidence, and outcome measures were categorized using domains of the International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health. The review was prepared and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Five studies, involving a total of 98 participants, met the inclusion criteria (2 randomized controlled trials, 1 pre-post study, 1 case series and 1 case report). Casting protocols varied widely between studies; all were on casting of the lower limbs. There is level 1b evidence that casting following botulinum toxin injection improves spasticity outcomes compared with stretching and taping, and that casting after either botulinum toxin or saline injections is better than physical therapy alone. The evidence suggests that adjunct casting of the lower limbs may improve outcomes following botulinum toxin injection. Casting protocols vary widely in the literature and priority needs to be given to future studies that determine which protocol yields the best results.