Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Slows Progressive Disability in Multiple System Atrophy

• Published in: Neuromodulation (Malden, Mass.) Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 176 - 178
• Main Authors: Madan, Anita, Schiess, Mya C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.03.2011
• Subjects: Atrophy; Baclofen; Baclofen - administration & dosage; Baclofen - therapeutic use; Disease Progression; Humans; implantable infusion pumps; Infusion Pumps, Implantable; Injections, Spinal; lioresal; multiple system atrophy (MSA); Multiple System Atrophy - drug therapy; Multiple System Atrophy - physiopathology; Muscle Relaxants, Central - administration & dosage; Muscle Relaxants, Central - therapeutic use; muscle spasticity; Muscle Spasticity - drug therapy; Muscle Spasticity - physiopathology; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1094-7159; 1525-1403
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2011.00336.x

Objectives:  Evaluate the benefit of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on function, quality of life, and progression in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods:  We report on three MSA patients at different stages treated with ITB therapy. MSA patients were staged using Watanabe et al. ADL milestones for disease progression and by scales for tone (modified Ashworth scale) ambulation (Hauser ambulation index) and disability (expanded disability status scale) Results:  All three patients had an improvement in the modified Ashworth scale and none had progression in their disability or ambulatory outcomes and did not progress as predicted by Watanabe et al. Conclusions:  Our results suggest that ITB can maintain (or improve function) and maintain quality of life in patients with MSA. ITB is currently not indicated for patients with MSA but should be studied further for the quality of life benefits and delay in disease progression it potentially provides.