Cerebral Palsy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cerebral Palsy, including details on symptoms, causes, types.

Botulinum toxin for the treatment of spasticity in children: attainment of treatment goals.

Weigl DM, Arbel N, Katz K, Becker T, Bar-On E

Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqwa, Israel. dweigl@bezeqint.net

Forty patients (mean age 5 years) with a spastic disorder treated by botulinum injections (53 sessions) were evaluated for functional outcome in terms of achievement of their individual predetermined goals of treatment, rated on a modified Goal Attainment Scale from 1 (worsening function) to 4 (improved gross motor function). At the 2-week follow-up, 40% had a score of 1, 33% a score of 2, and 13% a score of 3; 12% showed no functional change. Botulinum treatments failed to significantly improve the gross motor function in this patient group. Treatment goals and expectations should clearly be established beforehand.

Published 28 May 2007 in J Pediatr Orthop B, 16(4): 293-6.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2009 Cerebral Palsy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.