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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 27, 2021
Accepted:
June 15,
2021
Received:
March 29,
2021
Footnotes
The results of this investigation have been presented in part at annual meetings of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in Atlanta, GA, 2017 and the Association of Academic Physiatry in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2019.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
There was no funding for this study.
Author Disclosures: Drs Coles, Krach, Kriel, and Schmitz have nothing to disclose. Dr Schrogie reports personal fees from Allaysis, LLC. during the conduct of the study and outside of the submitted work. In addition, Dr Schrogie has a patent pending for IV baclofen. Dr Cloyd reports that the University of Minnesota has a licensing agreement with Allaysis LLC. related to the development of IV baclofen and will receive royalty payments should IV baclofen be commercialized.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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