Prevention of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal syndrome: successful use of a temporary intrathecal catheter.

Published

Journal Article

Abrupt cessation of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) administration can cause a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome that requires prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment. The current therapy for this condition is administration of propofol, benzodiazepines, paralytics and supportive care. This study reports a 53-year-old patient with paraplegia with an ITB infusion who presented with an infected pump site. The pump and the catheter were surgically removed and replaced with a temporary externalized intrathecal catheter. The ITB infusion was tapered and simultaneously substituted with progressively higher doses of oral antispasmotics. With this strategy, we were able to avoid life-threatening complications.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Bellinger, A; Siriwetchadarak, R; Rosenquist, R; Greenlee, JDW

Published Date

  • November 2009

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 34 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 600 - 602

PubMed ID

  • 19920430

Pubmed Central ID

  • 19920430

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1532-8651

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1098-7339

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/aap.0b013e3181b4cc6b

Language

  • eng