Michael Saulino1, David J Anderson2, Jennifer Doble3,4, Reza Farid5, Fatma Gul6, Peter Konrad7, Aaron L Boster8. 1. MossRehab, Elkins Park, PA, USA. 2. Mid County Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. 3. Associates in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ypsilanti, MI, USA. 4. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 5. University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO, USA. 6. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. 7. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 8. Neurology MS Program, OhioHealth Neurological Physicians, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Troubleshooting helps optimize intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in cases of underdose, overdose, and infection. METHODS: An expert panel of 21 multidisciplinary physicians currently managing >3200 ITB patients was convened, and using standard methodologies for guideline development, created an organized approach to troubleshooting ITB. They conducted a structured literature search that identified 263 peer-reviewed papers, and used results from an online survey of 42 physicians currently managing at least 25 ITB patients each. RESULTS: The panel developed two algorithms. The first was for loss-of-efficacy and applies to patients with previously well-controlled hypertonia on a stable dosing regimen who have increased spasticity Evaluation includes a targeted history (onset, duration, course, exacerbating/relieving factors, medications, recent procedures), physical examination (neuromuscular, vital signs, mental status), radiologic/laboratory testing (catheter imaging, noxious stimuli, infection, rising CK levels), and pump telemetry (pump interrogation, reservoir volume). Rapidly progressing hypertonia with autonomic instability or hypotonia and somnolence require emergent care and perhaps hospitalization. The second algorithm was for emergent care and describes treatment of overdose or withdrawal, which requires immediate care in a monitored setting and restoration of ITB delivery. The previous dosing schedule can be used in withdrawal of short duration; 10-20 mg every six hours can be used in longer-duration withdrawal. Supportive care includes maintenance of airway, respiration, and circulation. Seizure prevention should be considered, along with pump reprogramming or interruption, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and sequential lumbar punctures/drains. Physostigmine and flumazenil are not usually advised. Superficial infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, and deep infections with broad-spectrum IV antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin, clindamycin, vancomycin). Explantation is often required. A new pump can be implanted in a new site under IV antibiotic coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Orderly troubleshooting helps ensure patient safety.
INTRODUCTION: Troubleshooting helps optimize intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in cases of underdose, overdose, and infection. METHODS: An expert panel of 21 multidisciplinary physicians currently managing >3200 ITB patients was convened, and using standard methodologies for guideline development, created an organized approach to troubleshooting ITB. They conducted a structured literature search that identified 263 peer-reviewed papers, and used results from an online survey of 42 physicians currently managing at least 25 ITB patients each. RESULTS: The panel developed two algorithms. The first was for loss-of-efficacy and applies to patients with previously well-controlled hypertonia on a stable dosing regimen who have increased spasticity Evaluation includes a targeted history (onset, duration, course, exacerbating/relieving factors, medications, recent procedures), physical examination (neuromuscular, vital signs, mental status), radiologic/laboratory testing (catheter imaging, noxious stimuli, infection, rising CK levels), and pump telemetry (pump interrogation, reservoir volume). Rapidly progressing hypertonia with autonomic instability or hypotonia and somnolence require emergent care and perhaps hospitalization. The second algorithm was for emergent care and describes treatment of overdose or withdrawal, which requires immediate care in a monitored setting and restoration of ITB delivery. The previous dosing schedule can be used in withdrawal of short duration; 10-20 mg every six hours can be used in longer-duration withdrawal. Supportive care includes maintenance of airway, respiration, and circulation. Seizure prevention should be considered, along with pump reprogramming or interruption, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and sequential lumbar punctures/drains. Physostigmine and flumazenil are not usually advised. Superficial infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, and deep infections with broad-spectrum IV antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin, clindamycin, vancomycin). Explantation is often required. A new pump can be implanted in a new site under IV antibiotic coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Orderly troubleshooting helps ensure patient safety.
Authors: Elmar M Delhaas; Biswadjiet S Harhangi; Pieter J van Doormaal; Wouter Dinkelaar; Ad C G M van Es; Danielle M E van Assema; Sander P G Frankema; Aad van der Lugt; Frank J P M Huygen Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2019-08-16 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Jia W Romito; Emily R Turner; John A Rosener; Landon Coldiron; Ashutosh Udipi; Linsey Nohrn; Jacob Tausiani; Bryan T Romito Journal: SAGE Open Med Date: 2021-06-03
Authors: Elmar M Delhaas; Daniëlle M E van Assema; Alida C Fröberg; Ben G J C Zwezerijnen; Biswadjiet S Harhangi; Sander P G Frankema; Frank J P M Huygen; Aad van der Lugt Journal: Neuromodulation Date: 2020-09-18