Vojnosanitetski Pregled (Jan 2007)

Botulinum toxin type a for the treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy

  • Dimitrijević Lidija,
  • Stanković Ivona,
  • Živković Vesna,
  • Mikov Aleksandra,
  • Čolović Hristina,
  • Janković Irena

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP0708513D
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 64, no. 8
pp. 513 – 518

Abstract

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Background/Aim. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. Children have problems with motor functions as a result of limbs spasticity, which leads to severe contractures and limbs deformity. There is a growing interest in the therapeutic role of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in CP. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of BTA on spasticity, active range of motion and functional motor outcomes in children with CP. Methods. This study included 42 children of both sexes, aged 2−6 years, with spastic CP, divided into two groups: group I (21 child) treated with BTA and physical therapy, and group II (21 child) treated with physical therapy only. The following parameters were analyzed: spasticity; active range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle, and functional motor outcome. These parameters measurements were carried out four times in both groups: before the treatment, three, eight and 16 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. The obtained results were statistically processed and compared. Results. There was no evidence of any significant difference between the groups before the treatment. After eight weeks there was a remarkable difference concerning spasticity reducing on behalf of the group I (group I - 0.76±0.51 vs. II group - 2.17±0.64; p < 0.0001). There was statistically significant difference concerning active range of motion increasing on behalf of the group I (hip abduction: group I - 44.37±1.130 vs. group II - 32.61±8,070, p < 0,01; knee extension: group I - 0,77±1.820 vs. II group - 14.99±7.610, p < 0.01; dorsiflexion of the foot: group I - 11.50±6.080 vs. group II - 8.98±7.850, p < 0,01). A statistically significant difference was found after 16 weeks in functional motor outcome as well, on behalf of the group I: functional motor abilities level in the group I was 1.86 vs. 2.71 in the group II, p < 0.05. Conclusion. Botulinum toxin type A application leads to an important spasticity decreasing, active range of motion increasing, as well as to functional abilities in children with CP. .

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