Botulinum toxin A in the treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Garces K, McCormick A, McGahan L, Skidmore B
Record ID 32006000215
English, French
Authors' objectives:
The aim of work was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine if BTX-A is effective and safe compared with other therapies when it is used to reduce focal spasticity in patients with upper or lower limb spasticity. (NOTE: This Overview is based on Technology Report No. 51, 2005, commissioned by CCOHTA, written by Garces K, McCormick A, McGahan L, Skidmore B., titled Botulinum toxin A for upper and lower limb spasticity: a systematic review.)
Authors' results and conclusions:
A total of 33 RCTs are included in the review: 12 focused on patients with stroke, 15 on patients with cerebral palsy, two on patients with multiple sclerosis and four on patients with other disorders.
Authors' recommendations:
BTX-A has a demonstrated effect on muscle tone. BTX-A reduced muscle tone in patients with stroke, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
With regard to the effect of BTX-A on range of motion, many studies report increased range of motion, improved gait and improved function. Statistical significance is not always reached. The variability across studies may be due to the variety of disorders studied and their unique expression, and the differences in outcome measures and study design. Combining the results to improve clarity is sometimes impossible.
With regard to the relative harm of BTX-A, few adverse events are reported in most trials and are often transient. Improved methods of reporting would allow for more robust conclusions about the relative safety of BTX-A.
With regard to the long-term effects of BTX-A, patient-specific and goal-focused outcomes are needed to further define clinically meaningful improvements in therapeutic outcomes.
Authors' methods:
Overview
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
https://www.ccohta.ca/
Year Published:
2006
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Muscle Spasticity
Contact
Organisation Name:
Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address:
600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;
Contact Name:
requests@cadth.ca
Contact Email:
requests@cadth.ca
Copyright:
Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.