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To explore participation in daily activities of children with cerebral palsy(CP) in Thailand and influential factors. A convenience sample of family-caregivers of 80 children with CP, 6–18 year-old, completed self-administered questionnaires (i.e., frequency of participation, Gross Motor Function Classification System-Family Report) during clinic visits at a university hospital. Family-caregivers reported that more than one-third of the children never participated in outdoor activities. The gap in the frequency of participation between groups with high versus low motor function was very high. Better gross motor and communication were strong predictors of participation. Caregiver's education and family income were associated with participation in art/cultural, leisure and tourist activities. Family-caregiver-report suggests that Thai-children with CP, especially those with severe impairments, have limited participation in daily activities. Increasing mobility and communication may promote the participation. Comprehensive intervention is needed to narrow the participation gap found between high and low functioning children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The multiplicity of interventions for the treatment of cerebral palsy (CP) can cause confusion about which are most suited to certain individuals. Hypothesis is that goal-directed therapy (GDT) can guide integrating therapies to improve clinical outcomes compared with conventional therapy (CT). Materials and Methods: A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was done with 23 children with CP (mean age, 4 years 4 months old; SD 1y4mo), who were divided into groups according to their level of gross motor function: GDT and CT. Both groups received 12 physiotherapy (PT) sessions and advice on daily home programs. The GDT group additionally had a team meeting to set a specific goal, and PT programs were shaped toward that goal. Assessments were done at baseline and after treatments, using the Thai-version Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), CP-Quality of Life (CP-QOL), caregiver burden, and home program compliance. Results: After the treatments, the GDT group showed significant improvements in GMFM-66, CP-QOL, and caregiver burden, while the CT group revealed improvements in caregiver burden and some domains of the GMFM, including sitting and crawling & kneeling. Comparisons between groups found GDT was more effective than CT in improving GMFM-66 and CP-QOL. Home program compliance was higher in the GDT (69%) than the CT group (42%). Conclusion: GDT demonstrated clear gains for children with CP regarding gross motor function and QOL improvements. Team communication toward a customized goal was crucial, empowering the children and their caregivers to comply with home programs to achieve the set goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-event multi-level chemoneurolysis (SEMLC) is a single-session procedure that treats various limbs of patients with spasticity at multiple levels with chemoneurolytic agents. Phenol is used in combination with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) to enable spastic muscles to be treated without overdosing with BTX-A.Objective: To review unintended effects (UEs) of SEMLC for children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).Design: Retrospective chart review.Setting: Pediatric rehabilitation outpatient clinic at an academic medical center.Participants: The study included 98 children with CP who underwent SEMLC on at least one occasion.Interventions: SEMLC.Main Outcome Measures: UEs, the goal achievement for each SEMLC session, and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS-ER).Results: A total of 98 subjects and 146 SEMLC procedures were reviewed. Patients had a mean age of 7.56 years (standard deviation, 4.28); 57% were male; and 14 had hemiplegia, 22 had diplegia, 8 had triplegia, and 54 had quadriplegia. Most SEMLCs (72%) were performed with a combination of BTX-A and 5% phenol in a session. UEs were reported for 31/146 (21%) of SEMLC sessions, with 16 of 31 UEs being temporary weakness. The overall incidence of UEs of the group that received combined agent treatment was not different from the group that received BTX-A only (P = .267). Transient pain occurred in 7 of 105 patients who were treated with the combined agents BTX-A and phenol. Dysesthesia did not develop in any of the patients. The type of CP, GMFCS level, number of muscles injected, and doses of medications were not correlated with the incidence of UEs.Conclusions: SEMLC using combined BTX-A and phenol is a safe procedure for children with spastic CP. It could be a treatment option for patients with diffuse spasticity, because combining agents allowed more muscles to be treated without enduring or serious UEs. Patient and family education is essential to prepare them for the occurrence of common UEs, such as temporary weakness and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) is an effective neurosurgical intervention for treating ankle spasticity. The authors use intraoperative electromyography (EMG) for selecting targeted fascicles and determining the degree of fascicular resection in STN. This study reports surgical techniques and outcomes of the operation. Methods: Participants who underwent STN with utilization of intraoperative EMG were recruited. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM) of the ankle in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, Massachusetts General Hospital Functional Ambulatory Classification (MGHFAC) and ability to attain full plantigrade stance were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Results: Twenty-one STNs were performed in 15 patients. The mean pre- and postoperative MAS and PROM were 2.8 and 0.4 ( p < 0.001), 39.5 and 66.0 ( p < 0.001), respectively. The mean level of MGHFAC was improved from 3.3 preoperatively to 4.9 postoperatively ( p < 0.01). Six non-ambulators had significant amelioration in MGHFAC level. Postoperatively, 19 of 21 lower limbs achieved full plantigrade, and 6 patients could perform selective voluntary motor control of the ankle. Conclusion: STN is an effective procedure for spastic ankle in well-selected cases. Intraoperative EMG helps in selection of targeted fascicles, increases objectivity in neurotomy and prevents excessive denervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors frequently employed selective peripheral neurotomy (SPN) as the primary treatment of severe intractable focal and multifocal spastic hypertonia. We occasionally operated SPN in diffuse spastic disorders. Objective: To study surgical outcome of SPN in terms of severity of spasticity and functional condition. Methods: Patients harboring refractory harmful spasticity of various origins were enrolled into the present study. They were clinically evaluated by using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM) and functional status. These variables were compared between pre- and postsurgery by using the paired t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank matched-pairs test. Results: One hundred and forty-one SPNs were accomplished in 33 patients. Overall mean pre- and postoperative MAS and PROM were 3.0 and 0.7 (p < 0.001) and 78.3 and 102.3° (p < 0.001), respectively. Analysis of individual SPN subgroups also demonstrated statistically significant improvement of both parameters. Furthermore, we found significant gait improvement among 10 ambulatory subjects. Nine bed-bound cases attained significant enhancement of sitting competency and ambulatory condition. Conclusion: SPN is an efficacious neurosurgical intervention in the treatment of spasticity. It is apparently beneficial in the reduction of spasticity, amelioration of functional status, facilitation of patient care and prevention of long-term musculoskeletal sequelae. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors used selective peripheral neurotomy (SPN) on the sciatic and obturator nerves to restore the sitting posture and ambulation in bedridden patients suffering from severe proximal lower limb spasticity. Objective: To study the surgical outcome of sciatic and obturator neurotomies. Methods: All patients with refractory hamstring spasticity who encountered SPN on the hamstring nerve were recruited. Obturator neurotomy was undertaken in some individuals. The clinical assessment included Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM), sitting competency and ambulatory condition. These parameters were compared between before and after the surgery by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Among the sciatic neurotomy group (n = 15), the mean pre- and postoperative MAS and PROM were 3.3 and 0.8 (p < 0.01) and 78.3 and 121.7° (p < 0.01), respectively. Those measurements of the obturator nerve surgery group (n = 11) were 3.7 and 1.1 (p < 0.01) as well as 21.0 and 45.0° (p < 0.01), respectively. Seven and 8 of a total of 9 patients had statistically significant improvement in sitting ability (p = 0.016) and ambulation status (p < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Bedridden patients who suffer from severe proximal lower limb spasticity have an optimum to return to sitting and ambulate with a wheelchair after SPN of the sciatic and obturator nerves. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Harmful generalized spasticity is an obstacle in rehabilitation and caregiving. Neurosurgical intervention is a therapeutic option for patients with severe spasticity who do not respond to nonoperative management. Currently, intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) is a good alternative treatment for such patients. However, the ITB device is costly and the intrathecal drug is not available in Thailand. Case Description: We report a combined use of ablative neurosurgical procedures in a patient with severe generalized spasticity and disabling cervical dystonia (CD). The assembled operations including selective peripheral denervation for CD, microsurgical dorsal root entry zone lesion for upper limb spasticity, and selective dorsal rhizotomy for lower limb spasticity were conducted in a single session. Furthermore, recurrent spasticity of the upper extremities was subsequently treated by selective peripheral neurotomy. Results: The spasticity and CD totally disappeared after all operations. The patient became able to sit and perform head turning. Additionally, we also found an improvement in swallowing and the voluntary movement of the lower limbs. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]