Natalie S Schmitz1, Linda E Krach2, Lisa D Coles3, John Schrogie4, James C Cloyd3, Robert L Kriel3. 1. Pharmacy Practice Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Electronic address: natalie.schmitz@wisc.edu. 2. Center for Orphan Drug Research, Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, Minnesota. 3. Center for Orphan Drug Research, Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 4. Allaysis LLC., Marlton, New Jersey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We studied physicians' opinions and experiences concerning clinical concerns, perceived severity, occurrence, and management of baclofen withdrawal due to abrupt discontinuation. METHODS: A nationwide 26-question electronic survey was distributed via e-mail to physicians (N = 952) representing varying specialties who manage spasticity with baclofen. A total of 110 physicians provided responses to the survey (response rate = 11.6%). Results were evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Withdrawal from both oral and intrathecal (IT) baclofen was recognized as a significant concern and was observed by most respondents. However, approximately 75% and 35% of respondents or their clinic sites lack established management protocols for managing anticipated interruption of oral or IT baclofen, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for further research on and the development of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of baclofen withdrawal. The results of this survey, along with a systematic literature review and multidisciplinary stakeholder input, may be helpful in establishing guidelines for the treatment and prevention of baclofen withdrawal.
OBJECTIVE: We studied physicians' opinions and experiences concerning clinical concerns, perceived severity, occurrence, and management of baclofen withdrawal due to abrupt discontinuation. METHODS: A nationwide 26-question electronic survey was distributed via e-mail to physicians (N = 952) representing varying specialties who manage spasticity with baclofen. A total of 110 physicians provided responses to the survey (response rate = 11.6%). Results were evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Withdrawal from both oral and intrathecal (IT) baclofen was recognized as a significant concern and was observed by most respondents. However, approximately 75% and 35% of respondents or their clinic sites lack established management protocols for managing anticipated interruption of oral or IT baclofen, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for further research on and the development of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of baclofen withdrawal. The results of this survey, along with a systematic literature review and multidisciplinary stakeholder input, may be helpful in establishing guidelines for the treatment and prevention of baclofen withdrawal.
Authors: Natalie Schmitz; Margaret Artz; Karen Walsh; Sandeep Gaudana; James Cloyd; John Schrogie; Robert Kriel Journal: Drugs Real World Outcomes Date: 2022-03-31