Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Managing Mobility-Related Outcomes in Adult Patients With Cerebral Palsy Systematic Review

Purpose Intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is used in the management of focal spasticity in cerebral palsy (CP). The aim was to conduct a systematic review to assess current literature on the use of BTX-A in the management of mobility-related outcomes among adult persons with spastic CP. Methods All studies reporting on the use of BTX-A in the management of spastic CP among adult persons were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Results Six studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in mixed patient groups comprising patients with movement disorders, traumatic brain injury, CP, and other disorders requiring therapy for spasticity. BTX-A was shown to be effective in improving spasticity-related outcomes among persons with CP, but mixed results were shown for functional outcomes. Conclusions More studies are required on exclusive CP cohorts using recommended and currently used scales, incorporating quality of life and patient satisfaction scales. Results from long-term follow-up studies will be valuable for better evaluation of the effectiveness of BTX-A in the management of spasticity-related outcomes among adult persons with CP.

Automated summary

This systematic review assessed the use of BTX-A in the management of mobility-related outcomes among adult persons with spastic CP. Results showed effectiveness in improving spasticity-related outcomes, but mixed results for functional outcomes were found. More studies with exclusive CP cohorts and long-term follow-up are needed for better evaluation of BTX-A effectiveness.