• Meta N Eek, Kristina Olsson, Karin Lindh, Berit Askljung, Magnus Påhlman, Olle Corneliusson, and Kate Himmelmann.
• Regional Rehabilitation Centre, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Dev Med Child Neurol. 2018 Jan 1; 60 (1): 94-99.

AimTo investigate the effect of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on function and activity in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodA retrospective cohort study of records from 25 children (15 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 11mo, SD 4y 9mo). Five were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification level IV and 20 in level V. Parents were interviewed about activities in daily life, sitting, communication, pain, sleep, and gross and fine motor function. Differences before and 1 year after ITB were graded as positive, no change, or negative. Assessments of dystonia (using the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale) and muscle tone (Ashworth Scale) were made. Joint range of motion (ROM) was measured.ResultsBoth dystonia and increased muscle tone, present in all participants before ITB, decreased after (p<0.001). Passive ROM was restricted, with no difference after. Parents reported improvements in activities in daily life (p<0.001), sitting (p<0.001), communication (p<0.001), and fine motor function (p=0.013), but no change in gross motor function. Before ITB, pain and disturbed sleep were reported. There was a reduction in pain (p=0.002) and sleep improved (p=0.004) after ITB.InterpretationAfter ITB in individuals with dyskinetic CP, improvements were found in sitting, communication, and fine motor skills. There was a reduction in dystonia and muscle tone, and pain and sleep improved.What This Paper AddsIntrathecal baclofen can affect specific aspects of functioning in dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Sitting, communication, and fine motor function improved. Dystonia and spasticity were reduced. Pain was reduced and sleep improved.© 2017 Mac Keith Press.

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