Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Multicenter Study
Can Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Detect Catheter Complications in Patients Who Experience Loss of Effectiveness With Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy?
The catheter status of patients who presented with loss of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy effectiveness was investigated using measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure transmitted through the catheter fluid path to the pump. The aim of the study was to estimate the appropriate threshold separating catheter complications from "normal" catheter function, and to compare catheter status based on CSF pressure with the clinical diagnosis. ⋯ In-clinic CSF pressure data acquisition is technically feasible. Overall, catheter status based on the algorithm demonstrated concordance with the clinical diagnosis in 29 of 37 patients (78.4%).