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Posted by on Jan 31, 2019 in Stroke | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This study investigated the effectiveness of Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin; IBT A) for the treatment of arm muscle spasms after a stroke. Researchers suggested that injections of IBT A improved arm muscles and movement in these patients.

Some background

Botulinum neurotoxin (BOTOX) injections are the standard first-line treatment for arm spasticity after a stroke. Muscle spasticity occurs when muscles contract too much and do not relax. That can make daily activities difficult and painful.

Prior studies showed that IBT A, in just one injection, is very effective in treating these conditions, with manageable side effects. Still, patients with arm spasticity often need more than one treatment.

It is known that IBT A improves muscle function in long-term treatments of patients with arm spasticity. However, it is still not clear how this treatment would improve arm spasticity in patients with stroke.

Methods & findings

This study included information about 296 patients with arm spasticity after a stroke. The treatment (12-week duration) consisted of a single injection with IBT A or a placebo. Patients could continue into a 36-week treatment to receive 3 further cycles. Each cycle began with a single treatment session followed by 12 weeks of follow-up.

90% of patients improved their condition after 4 weeks. 61% saw improvements after the first cycle and 58.2% after the second cycle. 57.4% of patients who saw improvements after the third cycle were considered much improved.

3% of patients had side effects such as pain (0.7%) and constipation (incapacity to empty the bowel; 0.7%).

The bottom line

This study concluded that long-term therapy with IBT A improves the muscle function in patients who have arm spasticity after a stroke.

The fine print

The doses of IBT A injections were the same for all patients. Outside clinical trials, doses may vary according to patients needs and tolerance.

What’s next?

If you have concerns about muscle spasticity, discuss this with your doctor.

Published By :

Advances in therapy

Date :

Nov 29, 2018

Original Title :

IncobotulinumtoxinA Efficacy and Safety in Adults with Upper-Limb Spasticity Following Stroke: Results from the Open-Label Extension Period of a Phase 3 Study.

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