Abstract
Background and objectives: Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disabilities affecting children. 75% of these patients are spastic form. Spasticity is the most functional problem in those patients. Various methods have been used for relieving spasticity. Botulinum toxin injection is one of methods. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of Dysport ( botulinum toxin type A) in children with the spastic type of cerebral palsy to improve daily care or functional mobility.
Materials and methods: Dysport was studied in 24 children with spastic cerebral palsy. Results are compared with 11 children with same problem, all patients received rehabilitation therapy, spasticity score, joints range of motion and functional status evaluated after 72 hours and then every 1 month, until 5 months. Results are compared with T-test.
Results: The effect of injection was evident within 72 hours and lasted for 3-4 mo. Imporvement in spasticity and range of motion had meaningfull difference in injection group
(P: 0.00). Functional status improved, five nonambulatory patients be came ambulatory with assistance and five children with assisted ambulation had gait pattern improvement. Two children had untoward side effects after BTX injection (generalized weakness).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated Dysport (botulinum toxin A) is useful as an adjunctive therapy in ameliorating spasticity and functional improvement in children with cerebral palsy.