Effect of continuous intrathecal baclofen administration on voiding function

Baclofen has been found to be useful in the treatment of skeletal spasticity due to spinal cord injury. However, the role of baclofen in modulating voiding function is relatively unexplored. We therefore examined the effect of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on voiding function. A total of 8 patients (5 men and 3 women) with severe spasticity were included in the study. The mean age was 52.5 years (range, 41-65). Four patients were voiding without a catheter and the remaining 4 patients were performing clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC). In the catheter-free patients, no significant change was found regarding uroflowmetry and cystometry. IPSS and QOL index were slightly, but not significantly, improved after ITB. In the patients with CIC, bladder capacity was slightly, but not significantly, increased after ITB. Detrusor overactivity was improved in 2 patients with CIC. ITB has no significant adverse effect on voiding function. Regardless of whether voiding with a catheter (CIC) or without, ITB can be safely administered without any severe adverse effect on voiding function.