[Intrathecal baclofen therapy: a 30-year experience].

Background: The first pump for intrathecal administration of baclofen was implanted in 1984. Over thirty years, intrathecal prolonged infusion of muscle relaxants has occupied a worthy niche among all methods for correction of non-focal drug-resistant disabling muscle spasticity. However, this method has not become routine despite high awareness of specialists in Russia and abroad, as well as undeniable advantages for restoring the daily activity, improving the walking pattern and providing care and quality of life in people with limited mobility. This is due to scrupulous analysis of adverse events and accurate attitude towards its use.

The purpose of this review was to systematize data on indications, selection criteria, pump implantation technique, subsequent patient management and treatment outcomes over a 30-year history.

Method: A review of national and foreign literature was performed.

Results and conclusion: Prolonged intrathecal baclofen therapy is perspective for long-term treatment of severe spasticity interfering with quality of life and self-care if oral muscle relaxants are contraindicated or ineffective. This procedure is effective for impaired articulation, chewing and spastic pain syndrome. One can reduce the incidence of side effects via correct dosage of the drug, and tolerance to therapy can be reduced by timely elimination of problems with catheter.