[Value of intrathecal baclofen in the treatment of severe tetanus in the tropical milieu]

Tetanus continues to be a cause of high mortality in developing countries, where resources for muscle relaxation and respiratory support are not readily available. Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, directly restores physiologic inhibition of alpha motoneuron, that is blocked by tetanus toxin. Its use has been suggested at high dosage by intrathecal (i.t.) route, as part of the treatment of tetanus-induced contractures, and to limit the need for general anesthesia and for tracheal intubation in afflicted patients. This review reports personal experience and focuses on published data about i.t. baclofen for severe tetanus. Although statistical analysis are difficult to perform, i.t. baclofen appears to be effective in resolving muscle rigidity and in avoiding the need for deep sedation and for tracheal intubation, thus achieving lower mortality. Nevertheless, i.t. baclofen has a narrow therapeutic range, and a large interindividual pharmacodynamic variability. Thus, its use should be reserved for patients who would have been intubated without it. I.t. baclofen is a fairly simple and cost-effective modality, with significant advantages for management of severe tetanus, especially in tropical environment.