Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 18 Sep, 2023 1:00 PM | Updated On: 15 May, 2024 12:34 PM

Gabapentin as Add-on Therapy in Children with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

A new study aimed to compare the effectiveness of gabapentin as an additional treatment to trihexyphenidyl in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP). 

In this open-labeled, randomized, controlled trial, children aged 3 to 9 years with dyskinetic CP (Gross Motor Functional Classification System 4-5) were divided into two groups. One group received gabapentin along with trihexyphenidyl (n=30) and the other was given trihexyphenidyl alone (n=30). The Dyskinesia Impairment Scale (DIS), Dystonia Severity Assessment Plan (DSAP), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health–Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.

It was observed that both groups showed a significant reduction in baseline dystonia (DIS: p<0.001; DSAP: p=0.007; ICF-CY: p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in dystonia severity at 4 weeks and 12 weeks between the two groups (DIS: p=0.09; DSAP: p=0.49; ICF-CY: p=0.25). Constipation was the most common side effect observed in both groups (3 participants in the gabapentin-trihexyphenidyl group vs. 4 in the trihexyphenidyl-alone group).

From the findings, it was inferred that trihexyphenidyl alone is as effective as the combination of gabapentin and trihexyphenidyl in reducing dystonia severity at 12 weeks in children with dyskinetic CP. Therefore, there is no additional benefit of adding gabapentin as a therapy for dystonia in these patients.

Source: Kumar S, Shankar Kaushik J, Verma S, Dabla S. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2023 Sep;90(9):873-9.