Intrathecal Baclofen for Spasticity: Is There an Effect on Bladder Function? Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Introduction: traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very often associated with spasticity. Medical interventions may include medications such as baclofen, a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) -receptor agonist of poor lipid solubility. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) administration is a contemporary treatment option which minimizes adverse effects in contrast with the oral form of the drug. Regarding low urinary tract dysfunction, TBI, as a suprapontine lesion, results in neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Frequency, urgency and urge incontinence are the predominant signs and symptoms of this condition. Our study aims to report the potential changes in bladder function in patients with spasticity, due to TBI, after the implantation of the baclofen pump and the control of spasticity. Material and Methods: We report three cases of TBI whose spasticity responded well to ITB. We evaluated our medical reports regarding bladder function retrospectively, before and after baclofen pump implantation. We compared the data of bladder diaries and urodynamic parameters. Results: Bladder function was improved in all patients. Regarding bladder diaries; the number of incontinence and micturition episodes was decreased and the volume per void was slightly increased. Regarding urodynamic parameters; bladder capacity and reflex volume increased, Pdetmax decreased, PVR was the same and DLPP was slightly decreased. Conclusions: Although the baclofen pump is implanted to treat spasticity, detrusor activity may be also affected. Therefore, patients' urologic profiles should also be reevaluated after ITB. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the effect of ITB on bladder function in the clinical field and also at the basic science level.

Automated summary

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to spasticity, with neurogenic detrusor overactivity as a common complication. Our study investigated the effects of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation on bladder function in TBI patients with spasticity. The results showed improved bladder function, with decreased incontinence and micturition episodes, and increased bladder capacity and reflex volume seen in urodynamic parameters. Further prospective studies are needed to fully understand the impact of ITB on bladder function.