AbobotulinumtoxinA for Equinus Foot Deformity in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

241 pediatric patients (aged 2-17 years), with spasticity associated with cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus foot deformity, were randomized into three groups receiving either placebo treatment, 10 or 15U/kg/leg doses of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) formulation (abobotulinumtoxinA). The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of BoNT-A injections, in the gastrocnemius and soleus, for the treatment of pediatric patients. Both doses of BoNT-A injections displayed significantly greater improvements at weeks 4 and 12 when compared to placebo in terms of muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale) and patient functionality (Physician's Global Assessment). The treatment groups also displayed significantly better goal achievement (Goal Attainment Scaling) and certain Tardieu Scale scores versus the placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar and minimal between groups.