26.08.09 - Positive results treatment of dystonia with baclofen
About 20% of all patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) suffers from dystonia. Previous research indicated that the intrathecal administration of baclofen (ITB) can diminish the dystonia. In this procedure a pump that releases a steady flow of baclofen is implanted under the patients skin.
Up until this point little is known about the real efficacy of the drug or the safety of its use. Van Rijn and others from the Leiden University Medical Center did a study to find answers to these questions.
In this study 36 patients received a baclofen pump. Subsequently they were monitored over a period of 12 months. The researchers looked at severity of the dystonia and resulting functional limitations. 31 patients showed improvements with doses up to 450 μg/day. Both doctors and patients reported a decrease in dystonia, as well as pain and functional limitations. Overall the quality of life had improved.
Van Rijn MA, Munts AG, Marinus J, Voormolen JHC, De Boer KS, Teepe-Twiss IM, Van Dasselaar NT, Delhaas EM, Van Hilten JJ. Intrathecal baclofen for dystonia of complex regional pain syndrome. Pain 143:41-47. [abstract / full text]