Intrathecal baclofen pump for spasticity: an evidence-based analysis
Medical Advisory Secretariat
Record Status
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.
Citation
Medical Advisory Secretariat. Intrathecal baclofen pump for spasticity: an evidence-based analysis. Toronto: Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS). Volume 5(7). 2005
Authors' objectives
This study reviews the literature to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intrathecal baclofen to treat patients who have intractable spasticity uncontrolled by drug therapy, or who experience intolerable side effects to oral baclofen.
Authors' conclusions
Level 2 evidence supports the effectiveness of intrathecal baclofen infusion for the short-term reduction of severe spasticity in patients who are unresponsive or cannot tolerate oral baclofen.
Level 3 evidence supports the effectiveness of intrathecal baclofen for the long-term reduction of severe spasticity in patients who are unresponsive or cannot tolerate oral baclofen.
Level 4 qualitative evidence demonstrates functional improvement for patients who are unresponsive or cannot tolerate oral baclofen.
Intrathecal baclofen is cost-effective with costs which may or may not be avoided in the Ontario health system.
True functional use remains to be determined.
