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Muscle volume alterations after first botulinum neurotoxin A treatment in children with cerebral palsy: a 6‐month prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Alexander Caroline,
Elliott Catherine,
Valentine Jane,
Stannage Katherine,
Bear Natasha,
Donnelly Cyril J,
Shipman Peter,
Reid Siobhan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13988
Subject(s) - medicine , cerebral palsy , atrophy , spasticity , magnetic resonance imaging , muscle hypertrophy , soleus muscle , anesthesia , prospective cohort study , urology , physical therapy , skeletal muscle , radiology
Aim This study aimed to track alterations in muscle volume for 6 months in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) after the first exposure to botulinum neurotoxin A (Bo NT ‐A), a commonly used focal spasticity treatment. Method Eleven ambulant children (eight males, three females) with spastic CP , mean age 8 years 10 months ( SD 3y 1mo) participated. Participants received injections to the affected gastrocnemius. The muscle volume of the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and hamstrings was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle volume was normalized to bone length, and changes analysed relative to baseline. Assessments were conducted 1 week before, and 4 weeks, 13 weeks, and 25 weeks after Bo NT ‐A treatment. Results All children demonstrated positive clinical and functional gains. Muscle volume of the injected gastrocnemius was found to be significantly reduced at 4 weeks (−5.9%), 13 weeks (−9.4%), and 25 weeks (−6.8%). Significant increases in normalized soleus muscle volume were identified at each follow‐up, while hamstrings showed significant increase at 4 weeks only. Interpretation Absolute and normalized muscle volume of the injected muscle reduces after first Bo NT ‐A exposure, and does not return to baseline volume by 25 weeks. Hypertrophy is seen in the soleus up to 25 weeks; the volume of the plantar flexor compartment is stable. What this paper adds Muscle atrophy after first botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) exposure in children with cerebral palsy is noted. Mild BoNT‐A‐induced muscle atrophy is still apparent 6 months after BoNT‐A exposure. Hypertrophy is evident in soleus after gastrocnemius BoNT‐A exposure. Total plantarflexor volume is unchanged.