Systemic adverse events following botulinum toxin A therapy in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Aim: We studied the incidence of incontinence and respiratory events in children with cerebral palsy who received injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A). Method: We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate relationships between (BoNT-A) dose, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and the incidence of bladder or bowel incontinence, unplanned hospital admission, emergency department consultation or prescription of antibiotics for respiratory symptoms, and diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infection. Results: Of 1980 injection episodes in 1147 children (mean age 4y 7mo, SD 1y 10mo, range 9mo-23y), 488 (25%) were in children with unilateral involvement and 1..