Regional disparities in botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) therapy for spasticity in Sweden: budgetary consequences of closing the estimated treatment gap

Factors associated with the use of botulinum toxin injections for adult strabismus in the IRIS Registry

This cross-sectional study used data from a large nationwide registry to describe the factors associated with use of botulinum toxin injections for adults with strabismus in the United States. Botulinum toxin injections were performed on 3.1% of adults undergoing an intervention for strabismus between 2013 and 2020. Adults treated with botulinum toxin injections were more likely to be older and female. Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, non-Hispanic Black patients were three times less likely to receive treatment with botulinum toxin after adjusting for age, sex, geographic region, and type of insurance. Efforts to understand the factors contributing to disparities in the use of botulinum toxin for strabismus may lead to opportunities for more equitable access to this intervention.

Position-Dependent Intrathecal Baclofen System Catheter Failure Resulting in Debilitating Spasticity: A Case Report

An intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB) can provide significant relief from excessive spasticity and pain that is difficult to control. However, it is not without its drawbacks. We present a case of a young quadriplegic male who underwent ITB pump placement, suffering four years of transient episodes of severe spasticity with withdrawal symptoms. Multiple adjustments were made to his ITB pump dosing without relief. Extensive workup including interrogation of the pump, serial abdominal radiographs, and fluoroscopic catheter dye study revealed no abnormalities. Intraoperatively, it was discovered that the initial catheter anchoring occurred directly adjacent to the vertebrae, leading to a position-dependent catheter occlusion. He underwent the replacement of his ITB pump and catheter. During surgical revision, emphasis was placed on reducing the length of the catheter outside the spine, anchoring to the supraspinous fascia with avoidance of bony prominences or post-laminectomy sites. After surgery, the patient's spasticity improved, and at the eight-month follow-up, he had no complications, resulting in a mean baclofen dose of 300.2 μg/day. This report highlights the potential risk of life-threatening intrathecal baclofen withdrawal secondary to postural changes, providing technical considerations to prevent recurrences. It also raises awareness regarding patients who are more susceptible to transient catheter occlusion after a spinal cord injury.

Inequalities in pharmacologic treatment of spasticity in Sweden - health economic consequences of closing the treatment gap

BACKGROUND

The Swedish Healthcare Act states that patients should have equal access to healthcare. This study addresses at how this translates to pharmacological treatment of adult spasticity, including injections with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) and pumps for intrathecal baclofen (ITB). To address potential economic incentives for treatment differences, the results are also set into a health economic perspective. Thus, the current study provides a detailed and comprehensive overview for informed decision- and policymaking.

METHODS

Botulinum toxin use was retrieved from sales data. Clinical practice regarding mean BoNT-A treatment dose and proportion used for spasticity indication were validated in five county councils, while the number of ITB pumps were mapped for all county councils. Published costs and quality of life data was used for estimating required responder rates for cost-balance or cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients treated with BoNT-A varied between 5.8% and 13.6% across healthcare regions, with a mean of 9.2% on a national level. The reported number of ITB pumps per 100,000 inhabitants varied between 3.6 and 14.1 across healthcare regions, with a national mean of 6/100,000. The estimated incremental cost for reaching treatment equity was EUR 1,976,773 per year for BoNT-A and EUR 3,326,692 for ITB pumps. Based on expected cost-savings, responder rates ranging between 4% and 15% cancelled out the incremental cost for BoNT-A. Assuming no cost-savings, responder rates of 14% or 36% was required for cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a marked variation in pharmacologic treatment of adult spasticity in Sweden. Overall, the results indicate an underuse of treatment and need for harmonisation of clinical practice. Furthermore, the incremental cost for reaching treatment equity is likely to be offset by spasticity-associated cost-savings.

[Tardue scales in the diagnostic of spasticity]

Diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with spasticity remain a challenge, in which standard methodological approaches have not yet been developed. One of the most promising solutions to this problem is the use of the Modified Tardieu scale (MTS). The article describes the method of working with MTS tested in the examination, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acute cerebrovascular accident (n=112) and patients with multiple sclerosis (n=17). The original version of MTS has been translated into Russian. The use of MTS assessment system allows the diagnosis of the main elements of the clinical picture of the damage to the central nervous system, such as paresis, spasticity, violation of proprioception, as well as the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the dynamics of rehabilitation and treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT).

[Spasticity: from pathophysiology to treatment]

The article presents modern views on the pathophysiology of spasticity, which is a frequent disabling consequence to the upper motor neuron (UMN) damage. Morphological and functional system of motion organization and the changes after the UMN damage is considered. The authors analyze existing definitions of spasticity. Stages of spasticity development are described in the context of neuroplasticity as well as in the framework of pathogenesis and sanogenesis. Existing ideas of its pathogenesis are compared with the typical clinical symptoms. The occurring pathological processes in muscles, tendons and joints that can aggravate the development of spasticity and complicate the diagnosis are considered. In addition, the main pathological spasticity patterns are described and the current development of diagnostic techniques is estimated. A review of main methods of spasticity treatment is presented. Special attention is paid to the botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT) preparations and central action muscle relaxants. The pathophysiological basement for complex treatment of spasticity as a part of the general rehabilitation process is given, so that the BoNT can be considered as the obligatory element of standard rehabilitation programs.

Experiences from intrathecal baclofen treatment based on medical records and patient- and proxy-reported outcome: a multicentre study

PURPOSE

To investigate patient satisfaction with intrathecal baclofen treatment, complications from the treatment, and the impact of general expectations on treatment outcome in relation to satisfaction.

METHODS

A multicentre study with cross-sectional design. Data were collected through questionnaires and patient records. Patients were recruited from six outpatient intrathecal baclofen clinics in Sweden. Eighty-three patients who had been treated with intrathecal baclofen for 1-4 years were included. For patients unable to communicate, data were collected through a proxy. The Patient Global Impression of Change was used to measure patients' general satisfaction with change from intrathecal baclofen treatment. The Life Orientation Test - revised, was used to measure general expectations/optimism.

RESULTS

General satisfaction with intrathecal baclofen treatment was high; 51/77 patients reported "much improved" or "very much improved." There was no relationship between the two main outcomes (general satisfaction and general expectations/optimism) (r_s = 0.12, p = 0.382). The two groups; those who could and those who could not communicate, did differ regarding personal characteristics and should be evaluated as such.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients/proxies reported a high level of satisfaction with intrathecal baclofen treatment. The reported satisfaction with intrathecal baclofen treatment was not dependent on general expectations. Implications for Rehabilitation Patients with intrathecal baclofen treatment report low levels of health and quality of life at the same time as they are highly satisfied with their treatment. Intrathecal baclofen should be equally offered to both optimistic and less optimistic patients. Patients who are able to/not able to communicate, differs in characteristics and should be informed and followed up in different ways in daily clinical practice.

Botulinum toxin therapy for treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis: review and recommendations of the IAB-Interdisciplinary Working Group for Movement Disorders task force

Botulinum toxin (BT) therapy is an established treatment of spasticity due to stroke. For multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity this is not the case. IAB-Interdisciplinary Working Group for Movement Disorders formed a task force to explore the use of BT therapy for treatment of MS spasticity. A formalised PubMed literature search produced 55 publications (3 randomised controlled trials, 3 interventional studies, 11 observational studies, 2 case studies, 35 reviews, 1 guideline) all unanimously favouring the use of BT therapy for MS spasticity. There is no reason to believe that BT should be less effective and safe in MS spasticity than it is in stroke spasticity. Recommendations include an update of the current prevalence of MS spasticity and its clinical features according to classifications used in movement disorders. Immunological data on MS patients already treated should be analysed with respect to frequencies of MS relapses and BT antibody formation. Registration authorities should expand registration of BT therapy for spasticity regardless of its aetiology. MS specialists should consider BT therapy for symptomatic treatment of spasticity.