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  4. Intrathecal Baclofen Injection Efficacy for Spasticity Management in Patients With Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Intrathecal Baclofen Injection Efficacy for Spasticity Management in Patients With Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Brain & NeuroRehabilitation, 2024 · DOI: 10.12786/bn.2024.17.e3 · Published: January 17, 2024

NeurologyNeurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of intrathecal baclofen injections for managing spasticity in stroke patients. The study analyzes data from multiple sources to determine if these injections improve spasticity and gait speed compared to other treatments. The review considers both randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
2 RCTs and 7 non-RCTs for assessing spasticity and 4 non-RCTs to measure gait velocity
Evidence Level
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key Findings

  • 1
    Intrathecal baclofen injection significantly impacted spasticity, reducing the Ashworth Scale Score in both upper and lower limbs.
  • 2
    The meta-analysis confirmed that intrathecal baclofen injection also significantly impacted gait speed in patients with stroke.
  • 3
    One study indicated that additional baclofen intrathecal injection doses may reduce spasticity further.

Research Summary

This study aimed to verify whether intrathecal baclofen injection improves spasticity in stroke patients by analyzing relevant studies from multiple databases. The meta-analysis included 2 RCTs and 7 non-RCTs for assessing spasticity and 4 non-RCTs to measure gait velocity. The meta-analysis confirmed that intrathecal baclofen injection significantly impacted spasticity and gait speed.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should consider intrathecal baclofen injection for patients with severe spasticity unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Patient Selection

Individual patient characteristics and conditions must be carefully evaluated before considering intrathecal baclofen injection.

Further Research

More research is needed to fully understand the complication incidence and long-term effects of intrathecal baclofen injection.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Insufficient research results regarding complication incidence.
  • 2
    Caution is necessary when interpreting and analyzing these results.
  • 3
    Evidence certainty was moderate for non-RCT studies.

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