Current evidence for the use of botulinum toxin type A in the management of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

Management of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is the focus of considerable resources in many countries, so that evaluation of the efficacy for new and established treatments is imperative. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a relatively new method of spasticity management in children with cerebral palsy. It has been the focus of extensive research since its application to cerebral palsy 10 years ago. In a systematic review relating to the management of the lower limb in cerebral palsy 156 papers were identified. These were categorized according to Sackett and the World Health Organisation International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps model. We identified 10 randomized trials evaluating the use of BTX-A in the lower limb in children with cerebral palsy in a systematic review. A meta-analysis showed the pooled risk difference between BTX-A and placebo in three trials was 0.25 (95% CI 0.13, 0.37) and 0.23 (95% CI -0.06, 0.53) for two trials of BTX-A and casting using the physicians rating scale. These represent moderate treatment effects that are dosage-dependent. Outcomes were also compared for function in five studies. The type of evidence for BTX-A was graded by each treatment indication and directions for future research were then drawn from the available evidence.