Therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin A was studied in a group of pediatric patients (n = 28) aged between 6 months and 18 years. The patients were diagnosed with cervical dystonia (n = 6), adductor spasm of the hip (n = 8), spastic drop foot (n = 7) and various other focal motor problems associated with spastic muscular hyperactivity (n = 7). The mean dose of botulinum toxin A (Dysport®) used to inject into the affected muscle was 22 U/kg body weight. Reduced muscular hyperactivity with a significant increase in joint mobility was achieved for dystonic (p < 0.0001) as well as for spastic conditions in patients with adductor spasm (p < 0.0002). For these patients the improved joint mobility represented a significant benefit for both daily activities and nursing care. Local paresis and local hematoma were observed in 1/28 and 1/28 patients, respectively; 1/28 patients developed a secondary non-response. However, apart from these side effects, no other adverse reactions to botulinum toxin A treatment were recorded during the treatment and observation period (12-64 months). Our results suggest that botulinum toxin A represents an effective and safe therapeutic substance for the treatment of pediatric patients suffering of focal motor problems due to dystonic or spastic muscular hyperactivity.
Botulinum toxin A, Children, Dystonia, Spasticity
