Botulinum toxin for treatment of cocontractions related to obstetrical brachial plexopathy.

Abstract

Botulinum toxin type A was recently introduced for treatment of biceps-triceps muscle cocontraction, which compromises elbow function in children with obstetrical brachial plexopathy. This is our preliminary experience with this new approach. Eight children were treated with 2-3 U/kg of botulinum toxin injected in the triceps (4 patients) and biceps (4 patients) muscle, divided in 2 or 3 sites. All patients submitted to triceps injections showed a long-lasting improvement of active elbow flexion and none required new injections, after a follow-up of 3 to 18 months. Three of the patients submitted to biceps injections showed some improvement of elbow extension, but none developed anti-gravitational strength for elbow extension and the effect lasted only three to five months. One patient showed no response to triceps injections. Our data suggest that botulinum toxin can be useful in some children that have persistent disability secondary to obstetrical brachial plexopathy.

• Authors: Carlos O Heise, Lilian R Gonçalves, Egberto R Barbosa, Jose Luiz D Gherpelli
• Journal: Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria (Arq Neuropsiquiatr) Vol. 63 Issue 3A Pg. 588-91 (Sep 2005) ISSN: 0004-282X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 16172705 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Birth Injuries (complications)
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (administration & dosage)
• Brachial Plexus Neuropathies (drug therapy, etiology)
• Child, Preschool
• Elbow Joint (drug effects)
• Electromyography
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Muscle Contraction (drug effects)
• Neuromuscular Agents (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome