Efficacy and safety of serial injections of botulinum toxin A in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Background: Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been successfully used as a treatment for children with spastic cerebral palsy; however, the effect of BTX-A on reducing spasticity only lasts a few months, thus serial injections are required. The present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of serial injections of BTX-A in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Fifty-two pediatric patients with spastic cerebral palsy, 2-12 years of age (mean age, 4.79 +/- 2.70), were retrospectively analyzed. Muscle tone was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale, and gait was assessed with the Physician Rating Scale. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after serial injections of BTX-A. Results: The beneficial effects of BTX-A occurred 1 week after the injection, whereas the adverse side-effects appeared within 1 week and lasted <2 weeks. BTX-A significantly improved muscle tone and gait 3 and 6 months after its serial injections compared to baseline (P<0.05). Conclusions: Serial injections of BTX-A are effective and safe for children with spastic cerebral palsy. The side-effects of serial injections of BTX-A are mild and self-limited.