Injection of botulinum A toxin into the gastrocnemius muscle of patients with cerebral palsy: a 3-dimensional motion analysis study

Botulinum A toxin (BOTOX^®) was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of 26 cerebral palsy subjects with equinus gait. All subjects were equinus walkers without fixed contracture of the triceps-surae muscle. Injections were performed at 3 month intervals, if needed, as determined by the treating clinician. There were 14 subjects with spastic hemiplegia, 11 subjects with spastic diplegia and 1 subject with spastic quadriplegia. In the case of those subjects with bilateral equinus gait the dose was divided and given into both the right and left gastrocnemius muscle. Gait analysis data was collected prior to the first injection and subsequently at 3 month intervals for 1 year. Kinematic and electromyographic data was obtained. This data was analyzed to provide objective information about the outcome of treatment. Four subjects moved away and were lost to follow-up. Seven subjects left the study to have surgery. The data collected revealed statistically significant improvements in dynamic ankle dorsiflexion in both stance and swing phases, stride length, and electromyography of the tibialis anterior. There were no complications. While the results of this study are promising, additional prospective studies are needed to determine the feasibility of preventing muscle contractures over a longer time period. Furthermore, there is a need for inclusion of other muscles in future research. Future research should also compare BOTOX^® treatment with alternative methods of dealing with muscle spasticity such as: casting, orthotic devices, physical therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and surgical lengthening.     

A comparison of betaxolol and timolol in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

In a randomized, double-masked study, 41 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were treated with betaxolol 0.5% or timolol 0.5% drops for 26 weeks. The average decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) over the total study period was significant with both betaxolol (-6.3 mmHg) and timolol (-7.2 mmHg) in patients receiving no adjunctive therapy. There was no difference between betaxolol and timolol with respect to changes from baseline IOP. Significantly decreased mean brachial arterial pressure (MAP) was seen only with timolol, although the difference between the two groups was not significant. Pulse, pupil size, and basal tear secretion were unchanged in both groups. Burning upon instillation of the drops was more frequent with betaxolol.     

Characterization of cognitive functioning in a subgroup of children with congenital HIV infection.

The cognitive status of 12 clinically stable children with congenital HIV infection, nine of whom were neurologically impaired, age three to nine years, was assessed using the Kaufman ABC test. Seven of the children had ARC; five were diagnosed as having AIDS. The same children were evaluated by standard neurologic examinations with Characterization of tone and fine motor functioning. Two were diagnosed as being mildly retarded; six were borderline; and four tested as being of average intelligence. Visual-spatial perceptual based functioning was found to be more impaired than were abstract reasoning and verbally mediated skills in six (50%) of the patients. This pattern of impaired information processing was found irrespective of overall cognitive status. On neurological and physiatric examination abnormal developmental histories were obtained, or poor fine motor coordination, abnormal tone and gait, and impaired rapidly alternating movements were found in 9 of the 12 subjects. These findings suggest selective impairment in distinct areas of neurologic and neuropsychological functioning during stable phases of HIV infection in a select group of children. These patterns appear to persist over time. They differ from the clustering of impaired skills seen in children of comparable socio-cultural backgrounds without HIV infection. Similarities in functioning are noted between this subgroup of children with AIDS and ARC and comparable groups with cerebral palsy.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and serotonin syndrome in the critical care setting: case analysis.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin syndrome (SS) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are medical emergencies associated with psychotropic administration. Differentiation and treatment can be complex, especially when features of both syndromes are present and the patient has taken both serotonergic and neuroleptic agents. METHOD: Case analysis of a poly-drug overdose (venlafaxine, topiramate, divalproex sodium, risperidone, and carbamazepine) presenting with mixed SS/NMS features and whose clinical management suggests a practical algorithm for treatment of undifferentiated SS/NMS in critical care settings. RESULTS: The suggested algorithm includes: 1) Supportive care and withdrawal of all potentially offending agents; 2) Laboratory evaluation with prompt initiation of treatment for both disorders--cyproheptadine for SS and dantrolene for NMS; 3) Do not use bromocriptine (contraindicated in SS) or chlorpromazine (contraindicated in NMS) initially; 4) Add bromocriptine when clinical presentation becomes consistent with NMS (SS can be prolonged if serotonergic agent has long half-life). CONCLUSIONS: Prompt and appropriate identification and intervention are essential for successful management of SS and NMS. The suggested treatment algorithm allows for specific treatment of both disorders and avoids potentially exacerbating either one. The algorithm derived from this case could serve as both a practical guideline and impetus for further investigation in light of increasing psychotropic co-administration.