Abstract
BackgroundIt has been suggested that intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) may represent an alternative therapy to balloon dilatation in achalasia. The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in achalasia patients, as assessed using lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) and symptom scores, and to compare the response in patients with different types of pretreatment (no previous treatment, balloon dilatation, myotomy, BTX injection).MethodsForty patients who presented with symptomatic achalasia were treated with BTX injection (48 injections in 40 patients). Some of the patients had received prior treatment (seven with myotomy, seven with dilatation and eight with BTX). The symptoms were assessed using a global symptom score (0–10), which was evaluated before treatment, 1 week afterwards, and 1 month afterwards. Manometry was also carried out before and after treatment. Three different selections of patients were studied: all patients; untreated patients; and patients with prior BTX, dilatation, or myotomy.ResultsAfter BTX injection, there was a significant reduction in LOSP (before, 38.2 ± 11.3 mmHg; 1 week after, 20.5 ± 6.9 mmHg; 1 month after, 17.8 ± 6.8 mmHg; P < 0.001). The global symptom score and symptom subscores (dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain) were significantly decreased after 1 week and 1 month. When the beneficial effects following BTX injection were compared (untreated vs. pretreated), neither changes in LOSP nor beneficial effects on the symptom scores significantly differed. After 6 months, 67.7% of all treated patients were still in symptomatic remission (subgroups: previously untreated patients, 61.5%, n = 26; prior dilatation, 71.4%, n = 7; prior myotomy, 71.4%, n = 7; prior BTX, 73.9%, n = 8).ConclusionsBTX injection offers an alternative treatment for achalasia which is safe and can be performed in an outpatient setting. The initial response to BTX, in terms of symptom scores and LOSP, appears to be independent of any prior treatment. A number of patients do not adequately respond to balloon dilatation or myotomy, which are the first-line treatment modalities in achalasia patients. BTX injection can be performed in these patients, and symptomatic benefit can be expected in the same percentages as with BTX injection in untreated patients.
Highlights
It has been suggested that intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) may represent an alternative therapy to balloon dilatation in achalasia
Endoscopic ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) examinations performed in achalasia patients often show a thickening of the muscle layers in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) [7,8]
Pneumatic balloon dilatation of the lower oesophageal sphincter is regarded as the treatment of choice in these patients; balloon dilatation is limited by success rates of 80–85% and the possibility of oesophageal perforation, which may occur in 1.3–1.5% of cases [9,10,11,12]
Summary
It has been suggested that intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) may represent an alternative therapy to balloon dilatation in achalasia. The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in achalasia patients, as assessed using lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) and symptom scores, and to compare the response in patients with different types of pretreatment (no previous treatment, balloon dilatation, myotomy, BTX injection). Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the oesophagus that is characterised by impaired opening of the lower oesophageal sphincter, resulting in delayed oesophageal emptying [1,2,3]. Endoscopic ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) examinations performed in achalasia patients often show a thickening of the muscle layers in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) [7,8]. In patients with minor or residual post-treatment symptoms, a trial of calcium antagonists for symptomatic relief may be offered [13] Surgical treatment (mostly laparoscopic) with Heller myotomy is recommended for patients who do not respond to dilatation therapy [14]
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