{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: 4-Aminopyridine in pediatric traumatic spinal cord injury: A case report.
{Author}: Hillaker E;Chen J;Dean J;Yeh N;Sadowsky C;Elfar J;
{Journal}: J Spinal Cord Med
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 17
{Factor}: 2.04
{DOI}: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2361553
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents significant challenges due to its debilitating nature and potential complications. While few medications have shown efficacy in improving neurological recovery, 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker, has been used clinically off-label to improve neurologic function in adults with spinal cord-related paralysis. However, evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population remains scarce, as it is approved for use in older patients.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This manuscript reports the case of a pediatric patient who sustained a traumatic cervical SCI. Initial neurological assessment indicated a C1 motor complete SCI. Surgical intervention for bullet removal and spinal fusion was carried out, followed by comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>4-AP was introduced three months post-injury and was well-tolerated without obvious adverse effects. Notably, he exhibited neurological and functional improvement after four months of 4-AP use, though his improvement followed the expected trajectory of recovery. To date, this case represents the first case of 4-AP administration in a pediatric SCI patient, and therefore these findings contribute valuable clinical insight. By documenting the clinical trajectory of this case, this manuscript suggests 4-AP may be safe for use in pediatric patients.