reports of its effect in improving functional ability have varied (Joynt 1976; Gelenberg and Poskanzer 1973; Jonsson el d. 1975a,b). Since the ability to improve function would be moresignificant than the physiological effect, the present study was designed specifically to evaluate functional improvement in children with spastic cerebral palsy. We used a new formulation of the drug, dantrolene sodium suspension, developed for use in children. The drug was also evaluated for physiological activity, safety and side-effects. Method Cerebral-palsied children were selected from a pediatric rehabilitation clinic on the basis of their ability to participate in the study, and because spasticity was interfering with function. The 21 children appeared to be neurologically and psychologically stable at the time they entered the study. They were randomly assigned to drug-treatment and placebo groups. Age, weight, diagnosis, blood pressure, pulse rate and drug dosage were recorded at each of four visits. Hand preference was noted. Laboratory evaluations included full blood count, with smear and differential, platelet count, reticulocyte count, and urinalysis with microscopic evaluation. Blood chemistry investigations included BUN, creatinine, glucose, Uric acid, cholesterol, bilirubin, serum protein with A:G ratio, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride and creatine phosphokinase.
