Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy for the Treatment of Spasticity in Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome

J Child Neurol. 2017 Jan;32(1):100-103. doi: 10.1177/0883073816671440. Epub 2016 Oct 6.

Abstract

Intrathecal baclofen therapy is widely accepted as a treatment option for patients with severe spasticity. The current treatment of spasticity in patients with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is largely symptomatic, given that no effective causal therapy treatments are available. We report the outcome of 2 patients with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome who had pump implantation for intrathecal baclofen. We observed a positive response, with a decrease of spasticity, reflecting in the Modified Ashworth Scale, and parents and caregivers observed a functional improvement in both patients. One patient experienced skin irritation 15 months after surgery, necessitating pump repositioning. No infection occurred. Our report shows that intrathecal baclofen therapy can have a positive therapeutic effect on spasticity in patients with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, and therefore may be a promising addition to current treatments.

Keywords: Modified Ashworth Scale; Sjögren-Larsson syndrome; baclofen pump; intrathecal baclofen therapy; spasticity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Baclofen / administration & dosage*
  • Baclofen / adverse effects
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Male
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / administration & dosage*
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / adverse effects
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology
  • Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome / complications
  • Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Baclofen