Läkartidningen
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New effective methods to reduce spasticity and dystonia are now included in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP): selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen by an implanted pump or intramuscular injections of botulinumtoxin A. SDR is the only method that can reduce the spasticity permanently. ⋯ In Lund physicians and physiotherapeuts from different disciplines such as paediatric orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery and neurology form a central spasticity team which co-operates with the local child habilitation services. We have found that a common structured and standardized follow-up programme with early intervention against muscle hypertonia and imbalance can prevent hip luxation and contractures in children with CP.
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Comparative Study
[Antiepileptic treatment nearly six times more expensive since 1990].
There is a six-fold increase in the costs for antiepileptic drug prescriptions in Sweden from 1990 to 2000. This is mainly caused by a gradual increase in the prescribing of new and more expensive drugs, since the total use of antiepileptic drugs, expressed as defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants, is almost unchanged during the same time period. A marked variation in the prescribing of new antiepileptic drugs between different counties in Sweden, suggests that the role of the new compounds is still unclear. The cost effectiveness of new antiepileptic drugs in relation to the older drugs requires further evaluation.