The effects of continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

摘要

The use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) has expanded widely, especially for children with severe multi-limb cerebral palsy. Although ITB is currently the method that has the most positive impact on muscle tone in children with severe spasticity, there is little information on the measurable impact of ITB on children with severe impairments. It is commendable that Moreton et al here have tried to measure this with some level of control. As mentioned by the authors, it is very difficult to do a controlled blinded trial and, in fact, it is not clear that there would be significant benefit of such a trial in this population. What is even more difficult is to measure any direct functional impact, which is not the realistic goal of ITB therapy; for most of these children the real goal is improved comfort and ease of care, most of which is reported by the caregiver.