Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection Research Articles

Treatment with botulinum toxin of masseter hypertrophy, myalgia of the tendons and attrition induced by bruxism

Bruxism is a disabling condition in which unconscious contractions of the masticulatory muscles lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Symptoms include toothache, temporomandibular dysfunction, headache and attrition. Treatment options range from conservative approaches to invasive interventions. Education, stress reduction, avoidance of stimulants, and relaxation techniques can help in mild cases. Wearing an occlusal splint can reduce attrition. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injections are a treatment option temporarily causing partial paralysis of the masticulatory muscles. BoNT-A is a treatment for reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with bruxism that has been proven safe and effective. The effects usually last several months. To achieve the best results and minimize side effects, BoNT-A injections should be applied by an experienced practitioner.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type a Injection Combined with Absorbable Punctal Plug Insertion: An Effective Therapy for Blepharospasm Patients with Dry Eye.

Blepharospasm patients often have dry eye manifestations. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injection has been the main management for blepharospasm and absorbable punctal plug (APP) insertion is shown to be effective in the treatment of dry eye. However, there have been no studies investigating the combined treatment of BoNT-A and APP in blepharospasm patients with dry eye. In this retrospective study, 17 blepharospasm patients with dry eye treated by BoNT-A injection and 12 receiving BoNT-A plus APP treatment were enrolled. The efficacy was evaluated according to the Jankovic rating scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), fluorescein staining (FL), fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT) and Schirmer I test (SIT). Both BoNT-A and BoNT-A+APP treatment effectively reduced the functional impairment of blepharospasm. At baseline, all the patients had high OSDI scores (BoNT-A group: 82.48 ± 7.37, BoNT-A+APP group: 78.82 ± 4.60, p = 0.112), but relatively low degrees of FL (BoNT-A group: 3.18 ± 1.01, BoNT-A+APP group: 3.50 ± 1.24, p = 0.466), FBUT (BoNT-A group: 1.71 ± 0.77, BoNT-A+APP group: 2.17 ± 0.58, p = 0.077) and SIT (BoNT-A group: 2.53 ± 0.99, BoNT-A+APP group: 3.17 ± 1.23, p = 0.153). After treatment, OSDI, FL, FBUT and SIT were all obviously restored in the two groups. When comparing the changing rates, only OSDI (BoNT-A group: -52.23% ± 15.57%, BoNT-A+APP group: -61.84% ± 9.10%, p = 0.047) and FL (BoNT-A group: -22.55% ± 25.98%, BoNT-A+APP group: -41.94% ± 14.46%, p = 0.016) showed significant differences between the two groups. This study suggests that OSDI is not applicable in the diagnosis of dry eye among blepharospasm patients. For blepharospasm patients with severe dry eye symptoms, especially those with fluorescein staining in the cornea, the combined treatment of BoNT-A and APP is more effective than using BoNT-A alone.

A practical guide to botulinum neurotoxin treatment of shoulder spasticity 2: Injection techniques, outcome measurement scales, and case studies.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) is a first-line treatment option for post-stroke spasticity, reducing pain and involuntary movements and helping to restore function. BoNT-A is frequently injected into the arm, the wrist, the hand, and/or the finger muscles but less often into the shoulder muscles, despite clinical trials demonstrating improvements in pain and function after shoulder BoNT-A injection. In part 2 of this two-part practical guide, we present an experts' consensus on the choice of outcome measurement scales and goal-setting recommendations for BoNT-A in the treatment of shoulder spasticity to increase awareness of shoulder muscle injection with BoNT-A, alongside the more commonly injected upper limb muscles. Expert consensus was obtained from five European experts with a cumulative experience of more than 100 years of BoNT-A use in post-stroke spasticity. Case studies are included as examples of approaches taken in the treatment of shoulder spasticity. Although the velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone is often a focus of patient assessment, it is only one component of spasticity and should be assessed as part of a wider range of measurements. For outcome measurement following BoNT-A injection in shoulder muscles, shoulder-specific scales are recommended. Other scales to be considered include Pain Numerical Rating and/or global functioning, as well as the quality of life and global perception of benefit scores.Goal setting is an essential part of the multidisciplinary management process for spasticity; goals should be patient-centric, realistic, and achievable; functional-focused goal statements and a mixture of short- (3-6 month) and long-term (9-18 month) goals are recommended. These can be grouped into symptomatic, passive function, active function, involuntary movement, and global mobility.Clinical evaluation tools, goal setting, and outcome expectations for the multipattern treatment of shoulder spasticity with BoNT-A should be defined by the whole multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient and caregiver involvement. These recommendations will be of benefit to clinicians who may not be experienced in evaluating and treating spastic shoulders.

A practical guide to botulinum neurotoxin treatment of shoulder spasticity 1: Anatomy, physiology, and goal setting

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) is a first-line treatment option for post-stroke spasticity, reducing pain and involuntary movements and helping to restore function. BoNT-A is frequently injected into the arm, wrist, hand and/or finger muscles, but less often into the shoulder muscles, despite clinical trials demonstrating improvements in pain and function after shoulder BoNT-A injection. In part 1 of this two-part practical guide, we present an experts' consensus on the use of BoNT-A injections in the multi-pattern treatment of shoulder spasticity to increase awareness of shoulder muscle injection with BoNT-A, alongside the more commonly injected upper limb muscles. Expert consensus was obtained from five European experts with a cumulative experience of more than 100 years of BoNT-A use in post-stroke spasticity. A patient-centered approach was proposed by the expert consensus: to identify which activities are limited by the spastic shoulder and consider treating the muscles that are involved in hindering those activities. Two patterns of shoulder spasticity were identified: for Pattern A (adduction, elevation, flexion and internal rotation of the shoulder), the expert panel recommended injecting the pectoralis major, teres major and subscapularis muscles; in most cases injecting only the pectoralis major and the teres major is sufficient for the first injection cycle; for Pattern B (abduction or adduction, extension and internal rotation of the shoulder), the panel recommended injecting the posterior part of the deltoid, the teres major and the latissimus dorsi in most cases. It is important to consider the local guidelines and product labels, as well as discussions within the multidisciplinary, multiprofessional team when deciding to inject shoulder muscles with BoNT-A. The choice of shoulder muscles for BoNT-A injection can be based on spastic pattern, but ideally should also firstly consider the functional limitation and patient expectations in order to establish better patient-centered treatment goals. These recommendations will be of benefit for clinicians who may not be experienced in evaluating and treating spastic shoulders.

Does Ultrasound Guidance Improve the Effectiveness of Neurotoxin Injections in Patients with Cervical Dystonia? (A Prospective, Partially-Blinded, Clinical Study).

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guidance (US) in the treatment of cervical dystonia (CD) with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injections in comparison to anatomical landmarks (AL). To date, US is routinely used in many centers, but others deny its usefulness. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients (12 males, 23 females) with a clinical diagnosis of CD were included in the study. Intramuscular administration of BoNT-A was performed using either US guidance, or with AL, in two separate therapeutic sessions. The efficacy of BoNT-A administration was assessed with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS), Tsui modified scale, Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire (CDQ-24) and Clinical Global Impression—Improvement scale (CGI-I). Additionally, patients at therapeutic sessions were digitally recorded and evaluated by two blinded and independent raters. Results: A significant decrease in total TWSTRS, severity subscale TWSTRS, Tsui score, and CDQ-24 was found in both the AL and US group; however, in the TWSTRS disability and pain subscales, a significant decrease was found only in the US group. Moreover, US guided treatment also resulted in a greater decrease in TWSTRS, Tsui score and CDQ-24 compared to anatomical landmarks use only. Conclusions: US guidance might be helpful in improving the results of BoNT-A injections in cervical dystonia, reducing associated pain and disability; however, more studies are needed to evaluate its clinical efficacy.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A improves vasti muscle balance, patellar tracking, and pain in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) on vastus lateralis:vastus medialis (VL:VM) muscle balance, patellar tracking, and pain in patients with chronic patellofemoral (PF) pain. We recruited 13 participants (9 females, 4 males) with recalcitrant PF pain who underwent ultrasound-guided BoNT-A injections into the distal third of the VL muscle, followed by a 6-week home exercise program to strengthen their VM muscle. We imaged the participants in a C-arm computed tomography (CT) scanner before and after the intervention. We calculated VL:VM ratios from CT images from a supine, nonweight-bearing condition. We obtained patellar tilt and bisect offset values from CT images from an upright, weight-bearing condition. We recorded functional pain scores before, immediately after, and 2-4 years after the intervention. We classified the participants into normal tracking and maltracking groups based on their patellar tilt and bisect offset values. BoNT-A with home exercise reduced VL:VM ratio (18%; p < 0.001), patellar tilt (19%; p = 0.020), and bisect offset (5%; p = 0.025). Four participants classified as maltrackers before the intervention transitioned to normal tracking after the intervention. Functional pain scores improved immediately after the intervention (13%, p < 0.001) and remained improved at 2-year follow-up (12%, p = 0.011). Statement of Clinical Significance: This study provides new evidence in support of BoNT-A for treatment of PF pain. Classification of patients under weight-bearing conditions may identify individuals who will most benefit from a BoNT-A treatment.

The Lack of Systemic and Subclinical Side Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A in Patients Affected by Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) is the treatment of choice for focal post-stroke spasticity (PSS). Due to its mechanism of action and the administration method, some authors raised concern about its possible systemic diffusion leading to contralateral muscle weakness and autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations. Stroke itself is a cause of motor disability and ANS impairment; therefore, it is mandatory to prevent any source of additional loss of strength and adjunctive ANS disturbance. We enrolled 15 hemiparetic stroke survivors affected by PSS already addressed to BoNT-A treatment. Contralateral handgrip strength and ANS parameters, such as heart rate variability, impedance cardiography values, and respiratory sinus arrythmia, were measured 24 h before (T0) and 10 days after (T1) the ultrasound (US)-guided BoNT-A injection. At T1, neither strength loss nor modification of the basal ANS patterns were found. These findings support recent literature about the safety profile of BoNT-A, endorsing the importance of the US guide for a precise targeting and the sparing of “critical” structures as vessels and nerves.

Combination of W-plasty and Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection for Preventing Rhytidectomy Scar in Asians.

This study was conducted to see if better scar results could be obtained by administering botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) injection and W-plasty incision for preventing rhytidectomy scar. All patients underwent extended deep-plane rhytidectomy in two groups. Group 1 had a straight incision line, and BoNTA was not given. Group 2 was injected with W-plasty and BoNTA. Photos were taken before surgery and twelve months after surgery. Two aesthetic surgeons analyzed the results using MSS, MSRS, and SBSES. Interrater reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Forty-nine patients were included in the study. Group 1 (Straight incision, No BoNTA) had 26, and Group 2 (W-plasty, BoNTA) had 23 patients. The interrater reliability in Group 1 was excellent for MSS (ICC, 0.957 [0.904-0.981]), and good in two of the interrater reliability measures (ICCs, 0.897 [0.769-0.954] for MSRS, and 0.821 [0.605-0.919] for SBSES). Interrater reliability in Group 2 was good in two out of three measures (ICCs, 0.760 [0.423-0.899] for MSS, 0.746 [0.392-0.893] for MSRS, and 0.851 [0.654-0.937] for SBSES). There was a significant statistical difference between Group 1 and Group 2, showing that Group 2 has superior outcomes (MSS, 6.596 ± 1.569 vs. 5.435 ± 0.590, P = 0.001; MSRS, 4.346 ± 0.967 vs. 3.652 ± 0.510, P = 0.003; SBSES, 3.788 ± 0.695 vs. 4.261 ± 0.541, P = 0.012). Analyzed by three dedicated scar assessments, better results were obtained through combining W-plasty and BoNTA injections, so it is expected to be a useful method for improving scars. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Clinical Results of Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia for Botulinum Neurotoxin Treatment in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: The botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) intramuscular injection is a safe and reliable method to treat increased spasticity in spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Although BNT-A injections may be administered under local anesthesia, many clinicians prefer injections under general anesthesia in the operating room, especially for children. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of administering BNT-A injections to children with spastic CP under sevoflurane mask anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Files of 61 children with CP who received 191 BoNT-A injections under sevoflurane mask anesthesia were analyzed retrospectively. The time from the beginning of anesthesia to the end of the procedure was recorded. The BNT-A dose per muscle was 3–6 IU/kg body weight for lower extremity muscles and 1–3 IU/kg body weight for upper extremity muscles. Results: The mean age of the children was 42 months. The mean procedure time was 15 min. There were no complications related to anesthesia or the BTN-A injection procedure. Conclusion: BTN-A injections in children with spastic CP may be safely and effectively administered under sevoflurane mask anesthesia without any procedural or anesthetic complications.

Reduced Cross-Sectional Muscle Growth Six Months after Botulinum Toxin Type-A Injection in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) injections are widely used as first-line spasticity treatment in spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Despite improved clinical outcomes, concerns regarding harmful effects on muscle morphology have been raised. Yet, the risk of initiating BoNT-A to reduce muscle growth remains unclear. This study investigated medial gastrocnemius (MG) morphological muscle growth in children with SCP (n = 26, median age of 5.2 years (3.5)), assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound prior to and six months post-BoNT-A injections. Post-BoNT-A MG muscle growth of BoNT-A naive children (n = 11) was compared to (a) muscle growth of children who remained BoNT-A naive after six months (n = 11) and (b) post-BoNT-A follow-up data of children with a history of BoNT-A treatment (n = 15). Six months after initiating BoNT-A injection, 17% decrease in mid-belly cross-sectional area normalized to skeletal growth and 5% increase in echo-intensity were illustrated. These muscle outcomes were only significantly altered when compared with children who remained BoNT-A naive (+4% and −3%, respectively, p < 0.01). Muscle length growth persevered over time. This study showed reduced cross-sectional growth post-BoNT-A treatment suggesting that re-injections should be postponed at least beyond six months. Future research should extend follow-up periods investigating muscle recovery in the long-term and should include microscopic analysis.

Video-Urodynamic Characteristics and Predictors of Switching from Botulinum Neurotoxin a Injection to Augmentation Enterocystoplasty in Spinal Cord Injury Patients.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injection and augmentation enterocystoplasty (AE) are alternative and effective management strategies for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) refractory to pharmacotherapy. A great majority of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) may, however, prefer BoNT-A injections to AE, due to the less invasive characteristics. In this study we evaluated the influence of various video-urodynamic study (VUDS) parameters in SCI patients who continuously received repeat BoNT-A detrusor injections or switched to AE to improve their bladder conditions. We compared the changes in the urodynamic parameters before and after each mode of treatment. In this retrospective study, all SCI patients with refractory NDO who had received at least one BoNT-A injection were enrolled. VUDS was performed before and after both BoNT-A injection and AE. All of the urodynamic parameters of the storage and micturition—including the bladder capacity of every sensation, maximal flow rate (Qmax), post-voiding residual volume, detrusor pressure at Qmax, and bladder contractility index—were recorded. A total of 126 patients, including 46 women and 80 men, with a mean age of 41.8 ± 13.1 years, were recruited for this study. All of the patients receiving either BoNT-A injection or AE had a statistically significant increase of bladder capacity at every time-point during filling and a decrease in detrusor pressure at Qmax during voiding. Patients who switched from BoNT-A to AE had greater improvements in their urodynamic parameters when compared with those who continued with BoNT-A injections. Accordingly, SCI patients receiving BoNT-A injections but experiencing few improvements in their urodynamic parameters should consider switching to AE to achieve a better storage function and bladder capacity.

Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Botulinum Toxin A in Post-Stroke Lower Extremity Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Post-stroke spasticity impedes patients’ rehabilitation progress. Contradictory evidence has been reported in using Botulinum Neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) to manage post-stroke lower extremity spasticity (PLES); furthermore, an optimum dose of BoNT-A for PLES has not yet been established. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to identify the efficacy and optimal dose of BoNT-A on PLES. "Meta" and "Metafor" packages in R were used to analyze the data. Hedges’ g statistic and random effect model were used to calculate and pool effect sizes. Twelve RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Muscle tone significantly improved in week four, week eight, and maintained to week twelve after BoNT-A injection. Improvements in functional outcomes were found, some inconsistencies among included studies were noticed. Dosage analysis from eight studies using Botox® and three studies using Dysport® indicated that the optimum dose for the commonest pattern of PLES (spastic plantar flexors) is medium-dose (approximately 300U Botox® or 1000 U Dysport®). BoNT-A should be regarded as part of a rehabilitation program for PLES. Furthermore, an optimal rehabilitation program combined with BoNT-A management needs to be established. Further studies should also focus on functional improvement by BoNT-A management in the early stage of stroke.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A as an Adjuvant to Reduce Scarring After Dermatological Surgery.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is thought to have biological effects beyond muscle paralysis, including direct effects on wound healing. This provides a potential rationale for adjuvant intradermal BoNTA injection in selected patients undergoing minor dermatological surgeries, such as sebaceous cyst or intradermal naevus excision, which often lead to problematic scarring. Case studies are presented showing that BoNTA treatment may be associated with more rapid post-procedural healing and less visible scarring. These case reports of adjuvant intradermal BoNTA injection could justify the initiation of prospective trials in this setting. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(6):677-680. doi:10.36849/JDD.5807.

A Study of Botulinum Toxin A for Ultraviolet-Induced Hyperpigmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure contributes to skin hyperpigmentation. Recently, botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) showed a promising protective effect on UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in both in vitro and animal models. The study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of BoNT-A against UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in human subjects. A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed in 15 healthy participants. Four separate square areas on the abdomen were randomly injected intradermally with different dilutions of BoNT-A (1:2.5, 1:5, 1:7.5) and normal saline (control). Two weeks after injection, hyperpigmented spots were induced by UVB irradiation at the experimental sites. The lightness index and hyperpigmentation scores from blinded physician and participants were evaluated. Fifteen participants completed the study. One week after UVB irradiation, all BoNT-A-treated sites had a significantly lower degree of hyperpigmentation than the control site in lightness index and hyperpigmentation scores from blinded physician and participants (p < .05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between different concentrations of BoNT-A. No side effects were observed throughout the study period. Intradermal BoNT-A injection provided a protective effect from UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. It may be used for other hyperpigmentation disorders that are aggravated by UVB.

Synergic use of botulinum toxin injection and radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy in Multiple Sclerosis spasticity.

Background and aim:In Multiple Sclerosis (MS) spasticity worsens the patient’s quality of life. Botulinum NeuroToxin TypeA (BoNT-A) is extensively used in focal spasticity, frequently combined with physical therapies. Radial extracorporeal shock waves (rESW) were already used in association with BoNT-A. Considering that loss of efficacy and adverse events are determinants of BoNT-A treatment interruption, this study aimed to evaluate the possibility to prolong BoNT-A’s effect by using rESW in MS focal spasticity.Methods:Sixteen MS patients with spasticity of triceps surae muscles were first subjected to BoNT-A therapy and, four months later, to 4 sections of rESWT. Patients were evaluated before, 30, 90 days after the end of the treatments, by using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), and kinematic analysis of passive and active ankle ROM.Results:BoNT-A determined a significant reduction of spasticity evaluated by MAS with a reduction of positive effects after 4months (p<0.05); MTS highlighted the efficacy only 90 days after injection (p<0.05). rESWT decreased MAS values at the end and 30 days later the treatment (p<0.01); MTS values showed instead a prolonged effect (p<0.01). BoNT-A determined a gain of passive and active ankle ROM, persisting along with treatment and peaking the maximum value after rESWT (p<0.05).Conclusions:rESWT can prolong BoNT-A effect inducing a significant reduction of spasticity and improvement in passive and active ankle ROM in MS patients. The use of rESWT following BoNT-A injection is useful to avoid some limitations and to prolong the therapeutic effects of BoNT-A therapy. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Perspective of an International Online Patient and Caregiver Community on the Burden of Spasticity and Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapy: Survey Study.

BackgroundPatient- and caregiver-reported data are lacking on the burden of spasticity, and the impact of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment for this condition, on patients' daily lives. As recommended in recent guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration, online patient communities can represent a platform from which to gather specific information outside of a clinical trial setting on the burden of conditions experienced by patients and caregivers and their views on treatment options in order to inform evidence-based medicine and drug development.ObjectiveThe objective of our study is to characterize spasticity symptoms and their associated burdens on Western European and US patients and caregivers in the realms of work, daily activities, quality of life (QoL), as well as the positive and negative impacts of treatment with BoNT-A (cost, time, QoL) using Carenity, an international online community for people with chronic health conditions.MethodsWe performed a noninterventional, multinational survey. Eligible participants were 18 years old or older and had, or had cared for, someone with spasticity who had been treated with BoNT-A for at least 1 year. Patients and caregivers were asked to complete an internet-based survey via Carenity; caregivers reported their own answers and answered on behalf of their patients. Questions included the burden of spasticity on the ability to work, functioning, daily-living activities, and QoL, the impact of BoNT A therapy on patients' lives, and the potential benefits of fewer injections.ResultsThere were 615 respondents (427 patients and 188 caregivers). The mean age of patients and caregivers was 41.7 years and 38.6 years, respectively, and the most commonly reported cause of spasticity was multiple sclerosis. Caregivers were most often the parents (76/188, 40%) or another family member (51/188, 27%) of their patients. Spasticity had a clear impact on patients' and caregivers' lives, including the ability to work and injection costs. For patients, spasticity caused difficulties with activities of daily living and reduced QoL indices. The median number of BoNT-A injections was 4 times per year, and 92% (393/427) of patients reported that treatment improved their overall satisfaction with life. Regarding the BoNT-A injection burden, the greatest patient-reported challenges were the cost and availability of timely appointments. Overall, 86% (368/427) of patients believed that a reduced injection frequency would be beneficial. Caregivers answering for their patients gave largely similar responses to those reported by patients.ConclusionsSpasticity has a negative impact on both patients' and caregivers' lives. All respondents reported that BoNT A treatment improved their lives, despite the associated challenges. Patients believed that reducing the frequency of BoNT-A injections could alleviate practical issues associated with treatment, implying that a longer-acting BoNT-A injection would be well received.

Botulinum Toxin A Improves Supramuscular Fat Graft Retention by Enhancing Angiogenesis and Adipogenesis.

Autologous fat grafting is commonly used for soft-tissue augmentation and reconstruction in plastic surgery. However, long-term graft retention rates are unpredictable, especially in muscle-related fat grafting. To determine whether botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) may improve supramuscular fat grafting retention by reducing muscle movement, thereby enhancing angiogenesis and adipogenesis. Pre-BTX+ nude mice were injected with BoNTA on the right quadriceps femoris and underwent supramuscular fat grafting 1 week later. BTX+ nude mice simultaneously underwent BoNTA injection and transplantation. Control nude mice underwent transplantation without BoNTA. Graft volumes were determined, and grafts underwent histological analyses and immunostaining. CatWalk XT gait analysis was conducted on BTX+ mice. Pre-BTX+ and BTX+ groups had significantly higher retention rates and exhibited better angiogenesis and adipocyte survival than the Control group. BoNTA injections improved the long-term retention of supramuscular fat grafts by reducing muscle movement, possibly by augmenting angiogenesis and adipogenesis.

Assessment of Anticholinergic Use After Fading of BTX-A Effects in Refractory Idiopathic Overactive Bladder: A Prospective Blinded Randomized Trial.

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of re-treatment with anticholinergics on refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) previously treated with intravesical botulinum neurotoxin type A (BTX-A) injections.MethodsOne hundred patients were initially managed by intravesical injections of 100 IU of BTX-A. After the effects of BTX-A faded, patients were randomized into 2 groups: group A patients received solifenacin (10 mg) for 12 weeks (study group), while group B patients received placebo treatment for 12 weeks (control group), then subsequently received solifenacin (10 mg) for another 6 weeks. All patients underwent preoperative urodynamic testing. Patients were asked to complete the validated overactive bladder symptoms score (OABSS) and incontinence quality of life (I-QoL) instruments after the effects of intravesical BTX-A faded and at 12 weeks of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the factors affecting treatment response were conducted.ResultsAt 12 weeks of follow-up, in group A, all OABSS items, including the total score, had improved significantly (P<0.0001). Group A had lower frequency and amplitude of detrusor overactivity and detrusor leak point pressure (P<0.0001, P=0.03, and P=0.01, respectively). Cystometric capacity also increased significantly (P=0.007), as did all I-QoL parameters. In a comparison of patients with failed treatment and patients with successful treatment, female sex, repeated intravesical BTX-A injections, and increased bladder capacity were statistically significant (P=0.001, P=0.0001, and P=0.002, respectively). Repeated intravesical BTX-A injections and increased bladder capacity were independent factors predicting treatment success.ConclusionsIn patients with refractory idiopathic OAB, reuse of anticholinergics could be an effective treatment option in patients after the effects of BTX-A fade. Repeated intravesical BTX-A injections and increased cystometric capacity could affect treatment response.

Saliva changes in Parkinson\u2019s disease patients after injection of Botulinum neurotoxin type A

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are compromised by poor oral condition due to oropharyngeal bradykinesia, dysphagia, and the side effects of treatment. Intrasalivary gland injections of Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BNT-A) have been known to treat sialorrhea effectively in these patients. However, the decreased amount of saliva reduces self-cleaning ability that deteriorates oral hygiene and increases dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the oral microflora and saliva in patients with PD treated for sialorrhea by means of sonography-controlled BNT-A injections into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands. Altogether, 38 persons participated in the study: 12 PD patients who were injected with BNT-A for treatment of sialorrhea and passed salivary tests before and 1 month after the injections; and 13 PD patients and 13 healthy subjects who were not injected with BNT-A and passed salivary tests once. The condition of oral health was measured by the amount of saliva, salivary flow rate, and salivary composition. A good outcome with a significant decrease in salivary flow rate occurred at 1-month follow-up in the BNT-A-treated group while no significant change was found in salivary composition. BNT-A treatment did not change the Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva but there was statistically significant increase in levels of Lactobacilli. BNT-A injections can effectively treat sialorrhea while considering the change of oral microflora, and the patients should be under dentists’ care more frequently. EudraCT clinical trial number: 2015-000682-30.

INTEREST IN CD2, a global patient-centred study of long-term cervical dystonia treatment with botulinum toxin

BackgroundLongitudinal cohort studies provide important information about the clinical effectiveness of an intervention in the routine clinical setting, and are an opportunity to understand how a population presents for treatment and is managed.MethodsINTEREST IN CD2 (NCT01753349) is a prospective, international, 3-year, longitudinal, observational study following the course of adult idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD) treated with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A). The primary objective is to document long-term patient satisfaction with BoNT-A treatment. Here we report baseline data.ResultsThis analysis includes 1036 subjects (67.4% of subjects were female; mean age was 54.7 years old; mean TWSTRS Total score was 31.7). BoNT-A injections were usually given in line with BoNT-A prescribing information. The most commonly injected muscles were splenius capitis (87.3%), sternocleidomastoid (82.6%), trapezius (64.3%), levator scapulae (40.9%) and semispinalis capitis (26.9%); 35.5% of subjects were injected using a guidance technique. Most subjects (87.8%) had been previously treated with BoNT-A (median interval between last pre-study injection and study baseline was 4 months); of these 84.8% reported satisfaction with BoNT-A treatment at peak effect during their previous treatment cycle and 51.5% remained satisfied at the end of the treatment. Analyses by geographical region revealed heterogeneity in the clinical characteristics and BoNT-A injection practice of CD subjects presenting for routine treatment.ConclusionsThese baseline analyses provide sizeable data regarding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of CD, and demonstrate an international heterogeneity of clinical practice. Future longitudinal analyses of the full 3-year study will explore how these factors impact treatment satisfaction.