Childhood Hypertonia of Central Origin: A Trial of Anticholinergic Treatment Effects

University of Southern California

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 2

Conditions

Dystonia

Treatments

Drug: trihexyphenidyl

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00122044

CHOCOLATE

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is an open-label trial of trihexyphenidyl in children with upper extremity dystonia due to cerebral palsy. It is hypothesized that trihexyphenidyl in doses up to 0.75mg/kg/day would be well-tolerated and show significant changes on the Melbourne scale of upper extremity function.

Full description

BACKGROUND: Although trihexyphenidyl has been used to treat both primary and secondary dystonia in children, previous studies have not investigated efficacy in secondary dystonia. We describe the results of a prospective, open-label, multi-center trial of high-dose trihexyphenidyl in children with secondary dystonia of the arms due to cerebral palsy.

METHODS: Twenty-six children age 4-15 years with cerebral palsy and dystonia that impairs function of the dominant upper extremity were enrolled. All children were given trihexyphenidyl at increasing doses over 9 weeks up to 0.75mg/kg/day. Trihexyphenidyl was subsequently tapered over 5 weeks. Visits occurred at baseline, 9 weeks, and 15 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Melbourne assessment of upper extremity function, tested in the dominant arm.

RESULTS: Three children withdrew due to non-serious adverse events (chorea, drug rash, hyperactivity). 3 children reduced dosage due to non-serious adverse events. The 23 children who completed the study showed a significant improvement in arm function at 15 weeks (p=0.045) but not at 9 weeks. Post-hoc analysis showed that a subgroup (N=10) with hyperkinetic dystonia worsened at 9 weeks (p=0.04) but subsequently returned to baseline following taper of the medicine.

CONCLUSIONS: Trihexyphenidyl appears to be safe and effective for treatment of arm dystonia in children with cerebral palsy. Children with hyperkinetic dystonia may worsen. A larger randomized prospective trial is needed to confirm these results.

Sex

All

Ages

5 to 17 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Dystonia in the dominant upper extremity

Exclusion criteria

Complete absence of voluntary movement in the affected hands, wrists, and elbows
Severe weakness in the dominant upper extremity (MRC grade < 4)
Passive range of motion at the hand, wrist or elbow less than 80% of normal
Current use of medications for dystonia (anticholinergics, L-dopa, baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine, tetrabenazine, reserpine, and others)
Changes in the subject's physical therapy regimen for the duration of the 15-week study
Prior use of trihexyphenidyl or other anticholinergic therapy for dystonia.
History of surgery on the dominant upper extremity or cervical spine
Botulinum toxin injection in the dominant upper extremity within the previous 6 months
Current or prior implantation of an intrathecal baclofen pump, deep brain stimulator, or other device to treat dystonia or spasticity
Concurrent acute or chronic medical condition (such as frequent seizures, heart disease, or asthma) that could adversely affect motor performance or the safety of testing
Presence of diurnal fluctuations or other clinical signs and symptoms suggesting an inborn error of metabolism, a family history of dystonia suggesting a genetic dystonia, or dystonia due to injury after the neonatal period (including toxin exposure, trauma, or medication-induced)
History of allergic or adverse reaction to trihexyphenidyl or other anticholinergic medications
Current complaint of urinary retention requiring treatment.
History of glaucoma, or family history of glaucoma with onset before age 40