[Botulinum toxin treatment in children]

Duodecim. 2011;127(22):2417-24.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

Botulinum toxin type A treatments in children were started nearly 20 years ago. The first and still most common indication is spastic equinus gait in cerebral palsy, but other indications have emerged, such as idiopathic toe-walking, peri- and post-operative pain, drooling and idiopathic congenital torticollis. The official indication for botulinum toxin treatment is spastic equinus gait in children over 2 years of age. Botulinum toxin is known as the most potent toxin. However, it has proved to be safe and well tolerated among paediatric patients. Adverse events are infrequent, mostly bruising and limited, temporary muscle weakness. With higher doses the risk for generalized adverse events increases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Cerebral Palsy / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Equinus Deformity / drug therapy*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuromuscular Agents / adverse effects
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Torticollis / congenital*
  • Torticollis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital torticollis