Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection Research Articles

Botulinum toxin type A for preventing and treating cleft lip scarring—A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are congenital cleft facial deformities that are abnormal developments caused by errors in the fusion process of the embryo's face. Surgery is an important treatment, but postoperative scars will still cause psychological shadows to patients. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in preventing and treating postoperative CL/P scars and improving scar quality. A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant trials. All relevant trials were performed before June 30, 2021. The data were entered into Revman 5.3software, and a meta-analysis was conducted by using the random-effects model or fixed-effects model. Four randomized controlled trials involving 161 cases were included. Through quantitative analysis, BTXA showed significant differences in preventing and treating postoperative CL/P scars in terms of scar width (MD: -0.20; [95% CI, -0.30, -0.10], p<0.0001) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (MD: 1.30; [95% CI, 1.06, 1.55], p<0.0001), although no significant difference was noted on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) (MD: -0.75; [95% CI, -1.68, 0.19], p=0.12) between the two groups. In preventing and treating postoperative CL/P scar hypertrophy, we found that BTXA injection can show better results. There was no statistically significant difference between the results after omitting Navarro's study or Chang's study because of the time of injection-before/during surgery or adult CL/P scars.

Impact of botulinum toxin injection into the masticatory muscles on mandibular bone: A systematic review.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) injection into the masticatory muscles has been widely used to treat a number of painful and nonpainful conditions; however, no systematic reviews have been performed on the long-term effect to the mandibular bone. Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of botulinum toxin injection into the masticatory muscles on mandibular bone based. PubMed, Embase, Ovid, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for human studies assessing mandibular bone after injection of BoNTA using computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT). Seven studies were eligible for review; five reported significant bony changes to one or more areas of the mandible. Most frequently affected were the condylar head, coronoid process and ramus. The most frequent changes were decreased bone volume, cortical thickness and cortical and trabecular density. This is the first systematic review to examine an association between BoNTA injection into the masticatory muscles and mandibular bone quality. Data were analysed from a limited number of studies with a small sample size, and the quality of the included studies was very low. While the majority of available evidence suggests BoNTA injection results in bony change, further study is required to confirm a dose-dependence effect and the impact of gender and age. High-quality trials should utilise a combination of software analysis and radiologist review, with longer-term follow-up to monitor for persistence of bony effect and clinical significance.

Динамика нистагма после хемоденервации глазодвигательных мышц

Purpose.. To increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with permanent nystagmus with injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTA). Material and methods. Treatment was carried out in 25 patients (50 eyes) with permanent oscillatory movements nystagmus of various amplitude using injections of BTA into oculomotor muscles. The observation period was 6 months. Results. Month after BTA injections, the frequency of nystagmus decreased in 2 patients (8.0%), and a decrease in the amplitude of oscillatory eye movements was noted in 21 patients (84.0%). By the end of the follow-up period, after 6 months, 2 patients (8.0%) had no signs of nystagmus, 19 (76.0%) children had a positive effect such as decrease in the frequency and amplitude of oscillatory eye movements. In 4 patients (16.0%), the use of BTA was commented as unsatisfactory, since after 3 months of observation, a regression of positive dynamics was revealed. Conclusion. The method of chemodenervation of oculomotor muscles using BTA showed high efficiency (84.0%) in the treatment of permanent nystagmus in children. This technique makes it possible to create physiological conditions for the formation of visual functions in children. Key words: nystagmus, botulinum toxin type A, chemodenervation, treatment of nystagmus

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection Improves the Intraperitoneal High Pressure in Rats Treated with Abdominal Wall Plasty.

The aim of the study is mainly to study the subject of BoNT-A injection to improve IAH in rats undergoing abdominal angioplasty. The study problem in surgery, especially in ICU, burn, and trauma centers, intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are common complications. At present, there are various treatments for IAH. The intramuscular injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) into the abdominal wall has received a lot of attention. Based on this, this study proposes a method for measuring abdominal pressure, applies BoNT-A to reduce abdominal pressure in the IAH state of abdominal wall angioplasty, and explores a way to increase the compliance of the abdominal wall under the premise of maintaining the sealing of the abdominal cavity, so as to realize the expansion of the abdominal cavity. A method is achieved to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and eliminate or alleviate ACS. The results of the experiment showed that when the rats in the control group were injected with the same amount of normal saline as the rats in the experimental group, the IAP was significantly higher than that in the experimental group (P < 0.05). This shows that BoNT-A increases the compliance of the abdominal wall while maintaining the closure of the abdominal cavity, thereby increasing the volume of the abdominal cavity and alleviating the state of IAH in rats.

Dramatic Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Hypertrophic Scar: A Promising Therapeutic Drug and Its Mechanism Through the SP-NK1R Pathway in Cutaneous Neurogenic Inflammation.

BackgroundHypertrophic scar formation may be related to cutaneous neurogenic inflammation (CNI) through the substance P-neurokinin 1 receptor (SP-NK1R) signaling pathway. As a widely used drug in aesthetic clinical work, botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has a therapeutic effect on scars, but the actual mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the potential mechanism by which BTX-A inhibits CNI in hypertrophic scars both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsTissue samples were obtained from surgical excisions. Immunohistological analysis was used to locate SP in human hypertrophic scars and normal skin. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the expression of collagens after SP/BTX-A treatment. A rabbit ear scar model was used to explore the in vivo effect of BTX-A on scar treatment.ResultsSP and NK-1R were overexpressed in hypertrophic scars compared to normal skin tissues. Collagen secretion of hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts increased with increasing doses of SP. However, BTX-A may downregulate collagen expression through SP-NK1R pathway with or without the presence of SP inducing agent capsaicin. Meanwhile, SP inhibited the expression of NK-1R, and this inhibition was blocked by pretreatment with BTX-A. In vivo, intralesional BTX-A injection can also reduce the volume of scars and inhibit collagen secretion. Capsaicin may cause more severe scar manifestations, while the therapeutic effect of BTX-A remains.ConclusionOur research confirms that CNI stimulates fibroblasts during scar formation, while BTX-A can reduce collagen secretion by inhibiting the SP-NK1R signaling pathway, thus identifying a novel therapeutic target for this benign solid skin tumor.

Local injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) prevents scarring esophageal stricture caused by electrocautery in rabbit models.

BackgroundBenign esophageal strictures are common in clinical practice. The commonly used methods for preventing benign esophageal strictures still have many shortcomings. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect and possible mechanism of endoscopic local injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on scarring esophageal stricture caused by electrocautery in rabbit models, with an attempt to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of BTX-A in the prevention of benign esophageal stricture.MethodsAdult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: cautery group (cauterized with 30 W electrocoagulation power without other intervention), saline group (injected with normal saline at 4 spots in the local esophagus after modeling), BTX-A I group (injected with 10 U of BTX-A after modeling), and BTX-A II group (injected with 20 U of BTX-A after modeling). Body weight was measured at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 4. Esophagography was performed, and the internal diameter of the esophagus was measured. The esophageal tissues were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining. Type I, type III collagen levels and the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in esophageal tissues were detected.ResultsCompared with the cautery and saline groups, the BTX-A I and BTX-A II groups had significantly higher body weight, larger esophageal internal diameter, lower type I and type III collagen levels, and lower TGF-β1 mRNA expression levels in esophageal tissues at postoperative week 4. Comparisons between the BTX-A I and BTX-A II groups showed no significant differences in terms of body weight, esophageal internal diameter, and type I collagen level at postoperative week 4. However, the BTX-A II group had a significantly lower type III collagen level and TGF-β1 mRNA expression level than the BTX-A I group.ConclusionsLocal injection of BTX-A can alleviate esophageal stricture after electrocautery and has a preventive effect on benign esophageal stricture caused by electrocautery in rabbits. The mechanism may be that BTX-A down-regulates the expression of TGF-β1 in the esophageal tissue at the burn site and reduces the deposition of collagen.

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.

Comparison of Botulinum toxin type A with surgery for the\xa0treatment of intermittent exotropia in children

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to observe the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in the treatment of intermittent exotropia (IXT) in children compared with strabismus surgery.MethodsOne hundred forty-four children with a clear diagnosis of IXT and an indication for surgery were eligible for inclusion. Subjects were divided into two groups based on parental decision: the BTA injection group (injection group) or the conventional surgery group (surgery group). All cases were followed up for 6 months. The primary outcome was a comparison of the success rate (deviation between − 10 and + 10 PD) between the two groups at 6 months after the initial treatment. Secondary outcomes included change in deviation, visual function, and post-surgical complications.ResultsSeventy-two patients were enrolled in each group. At 6-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the success rate between the injection and surgery groups (52.8% vs 66.7%, P = 0.13; postoperative deviation − 12.22 ± 10.80 PD vs − 9.17 ± 10.30 PD, P = 0.09). The binocular Visual function, except for near stereoacuity, improved after treatment in both groups, while the fusion recovery rate was higher in the surgical group (68.1% vs 95.8%, P < 0.001). Transient complications in the injection group included diplopia, ptosis, and subconjunctival hemorrhage, whereas subconjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctival edema, foreign body sensation, pain, and diplopia were seen in the surgical group. The complications of BTA were relatively mild.ConclusionsBTA is as effective as surgery in the treatment of IXT in children, but the recovery of the fusion is lower than surgery.Trial registrationThe study has completed the clinical registration on (ChiCTR-INR-17013777).

High Precision Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BONT-A) in Aesthetics Based on Muscle Atrophy, Is Muscular Architecture Reprogramming a Possibility? A Systematic Review of Literature on Muscle Atrophy after BoNT-A Injections.

Improvements in Botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) aesthetic treatments have been jeopardized by the simplistic statement: “BoNT-A treats wrinkles”. BoNT-A monotherapy relating to wrinkles is, at least, questionable. The BoNT-A mechanism of action is presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals blockage, causing paralysis and subsequent muscle atrophy. Understanding the real BoNT-A mechanism of action clarifies misconceptions that impact the way scientific productions on the subject are designed, the way aesthetics treatments are proposed, and how limited the results are when the focus is only on wrinkle softening. We designed a systematic review on BoNT-A and muscle atrophy that could enlighten new approaches for aesthetics purposes. A systematic review, targeting articles investigating BoNT-A injection and its correlation to muscle atrophy in animals or humans, filtered 30 publications released before 15 May 2020 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Histologic analysis and histochemistry showed muscle atrophy with fibrosis, necrosis, and an increase in the number of perimysial fat cells in animal and human models; this was also confirmed by imaging studies. A significant muscle balance reduction of 18% to 60% after single or seriated BoNT-A injections were observed in 9 out of 10 animal studies. Genetic alterations related to muscle atrophy were analyzed by five studies and showed how much impact a single BoNT-A injection can cause on a molecular basis. Seriated or single BoNT-A muscle injections can cause real muscle atrophy on a short or long-term basis, in animal models and in humans. Theoretically, muscular architecture reprogramming is a possible new approach in aesthetics.

Safety and Synovial Inflammatory Response After Intra-articular Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Healthy Horses

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a promising alternative for patients suffering from chronic joint pain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single injection of BoNT-A would produce adverse effects on clinical parameters and synovial parameters as well as lameness. One randomly selected radiocarpal joint was treated with 50 U of BoNT-A in eight horses, and the contralateral joint received saline solution. All horses received injections at day 0 and were re-evaluated twice daily for 7 days for heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, intestinal motility, appetite, water intake, defecation, urination, and attitude. At these same time points, joint pain and circumference were assessed. Objective lameness evaluations were performed once daily for 7 days and synovial fluid samples were collected at baseline, post-injection hour (PIH) 24 and PIH 168 and evaluated for synovial fluid parameters. HR and RT remained clinically unaltered, despite oscillations over time (P = .001). The remaining clinical parameters were unaltered by treatment or time (P > .05). Joint pain was not elicited by flexion and palpation in both limbs as well as carpal circumference was not altered (P = .88). Lameness was observed only on saline limbs. Cellular parameters evaluated in synovial fluid samples from both carpi had significantly increased from baseline to PIH 24, decreasing at PIH 168 (P < .05). It was concluded that the injection of 50 U BoNT-A is suggested to be a safe therapy for intra-articular use in horses and must be verified by further investigation.

The effect of botulinum toxin A in unilateral cleft lip scar: comparison of results with different sites of injection

Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injections into the subjacent orbicularis oris muscle have been shown to improve appearance and produce narrower cheiloplasty scars. This study was performed to determine the effect of BTA injected at different sites on the unilateral cleft lip scar and cleft side nostril width. A double-blind, randomized prospective trial was conducted involving 64 consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip undergoing primary cheiloplasty between September 2016 and January 2019. The patients were randomized to receive BTA injections either into the subjacent orbicularis oris muscle (4 points group) or into the bilateral nasolabial fold region (6 points group) during cheiloplasty. The scars were assessed by photographic scar width measurements and Vancouver scar scale assessment tool. The cleft side nostril width was compared to the non-cleft side width. Fifty-six patients completed the trial, 24 in the 4 points group and 31 in the 6 points group. There was no significant difference in scar width or nostril width measurements between the groups at the end of follow-up. The Vancouver scar scale assessment was also similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in scar width or nostril width measurements after cleft lip repair between patients treated with botulinum toxin injections to the subjacent orbicularis oris muscle and patients treated with injections in the nasolabial region.

The potential effect of intradermal Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BTA) injection to increase extended random skin flap survival

Background: Extended random skin flap failure often occurs due to insufficient vascularization. Several attempts have been tried to increase the viability of the flap, but none of these attempts have achieved maximal success. Previous research has shown that Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) increases the viability of cutaneous flaps by inhibiting muscle contraction along with increasing vasodilation and angiogenesis. This study examines the effect of intradermal BTA injection on extended random skin flaps viability.Methods: In thirty-six Wistar rats, a rectangular random cutaneous flap (6 cm × 1.5 cm) was made on each dorsal rat area and then elevated the flap. The treatment group was intradermally injected evenly with BTA 8 IU and saline solution for the control group. Each rat flap viability was observed after five days. Primary outcome measures are survival flap area using Visitrak, microscopic assessment of the number and diameter of capillaries and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry semi-quantitative scoring system. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 for Windows.Results: The treatment group has better results in all observed parameters than the control group. However, Only the VEGF expression of proximal edge showed a statistically significant increase in the group treated with BTA injection (p=0.004).Conclusion: This study showed that the BTA treatment has a positive effect on random skin flap survival and the reduction of distal necrosis in rats, so it has been proven that BTA has the potential to increase flap survival rates in small animal models. Further studies are needed to determine whether BTA treatment can produce similar findings in humans.

Побочные эффекты при лечении косоглазия у детей ботулиническим токсином типа А

Background: the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in ophthalmology for extraocular disorders in children and adults became possible was pioneered by A. Scott in the 1980s. Lack of experience and understudied risks of this treatment modality in Russia prevent the introduction of chemodenervation into daily ophthalmic practice. In addition, several adverse reactions of BTA were reported. Therefore, these adverse reactions should be considered when choosing this treatment in adults and children. Aim: to assess the efficiency and adverse reactions of BTA when treating strabismus in children. Patients and Methods: 212 children (424 eyes) aged seven months to 15 years with estab-lished strabismus were enrolled. Visual fixation and acuity were measured before BTA injection. BTA was injected in horizontal extraocular muscles (average dose 3.40 U). Results: the average angle of strabismus was 33.28±12.96°, the average angle of eso-tropia was 33.69±12.86°, the average angle of exotropia was 31.50±13.41°. Neutralization of strabismus angle was achieved in 92.2%, a reduction in strabismus angle was reported in 7.8%. In total, 288 procedures were performed. 76 patients (35.85%) required re-surgeries. In most cases, re-chemodenervation was performed in children with a strabismus angle &gt;25° (Hirschberg test). Adverse reactions of chemodenervation were blepharoptosis (2.83%), hypereffect (17.45%), conjunctival redness, and edema at the injection sites. These adverse reactions were self-limited, no specific treatment was needed. Conclusion: chemodenervation by BTA injection in hyperfunctional extraocular muscles is a highly effective, non-traumatic, and safe treatment for strabismus in children. All adverse reactions identified by our study were transient. Keywords: botulinum toxin type A, postoperative complications, strabismus, nystagmus, extraocular disorders, chemodenervation. For citation: Sidorenko E.E., Ostanina I.A., Rosel’o K.N.M. et al. Adverse reactions of botulinum toxin type A for treating strabismus in children. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;22(2):145–148 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-2-145-148.

Histological and mast cells evaluation after application of botulinum toxin type a in masseter muscles of rats.

Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A) has been largely used to reduce muscle strength of masseter and temporal muscles by producing a temporary weakening of their activity. This study aimed to evaluate the histological changes and the number of mast cells after the injection of BTX-A. In the masseter muscle of rats in the periods of 1, 7, 15, and 30 days. These muscles were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TBO). The presence or absence of an inflammatory process and necrosis were analyzed by H&E in all area of the slide at 10X magnification. The number of mast cells was evaluated by counting 10 "hotspots" in the intra-muscular region on TBO-stained slides, 400X magnification. Statistical analysis was performed through two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. As a result, the inflammatory process and necrosis were not observed in any periods studied in both groups Regarding mast cells, there was no statistically significant increase in their quantity in the study group when compared to the control group in the evaluation periods of 7 days and 15 days. However, these mast cells increased significantly during the periods of 1 and 30 days. This study showed that even in the absence of an inflammatory process, there was an increase in the number of mast cells in the first 24 hours after the application of BTX-A, with a subsequent balance between the numbers of mast cells at 7 and 15 days, and again an increase after 30 days. Key words:Botulinum toxins type A, mast cells, masseter muscle.

3D stereophotogrammetry quantification for tissue repositioning using Botulinum toxin A: a case report

Hereby, we objectively assessed the outcomes of a facial-lifting procedure with Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A)using a 3D stereophotogrammetry quantification (3D-SQ). A 46-year-old female patient received a full faceBoNT-A treatment in a total dose of 180 Speywood Units (sU). Frontal, lateral and oblique photographs weretaken before and 20 days after treatment, at rest and during mimic movements. Also, a facial scanning wasperformed before and 20 days after BoNT-A injections. The results were analyzed using a 3D-SQ software. Thephotographs showed a decrease in expression lines and dynamic wrinkles. In addition, a better-defined jawlineand volume gain in the midface area with improvement of the profile appearance, due to the reduction of thesagging skin under the chin, was observed. The 3D-SQ showed volume gains of 1.17 ml on the right and of1.59 ml on the left cheekbone areas, due to the cranially soft-tissue repositioning. In addition, a decrease in thevolume of melomental folds areas (0.27ml on the right and 0.41 ml on the left side) was reported, compatibleto the above-mentioned volume gain. Measurements considering cephalometric points showed a decrease in thetotal facial height (distance from Trichion to Mental points), suggesting a soft tissue dislocation in an upwarddirection. Finally, this case report showed quantitative results that can evidence the role of BoNT-A in facialliftingprocedures. These results reinforce the importance of using a 3D-SQ to assess the outcomes of BoNT-Aand, probably, other aesthetic procedures. KEYWORDSBotulinum Toxin; Platysma; Facelifting; 3D images; Quantificare.

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Healing of Posttraumatic Facial Lacerations: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study.

Posttraumatic facial scars are not only unaesthetic but also have a negative sociopsychological impact. Surgeons constantly try to achieve the most aesthetic scar by various suturing methods. The tensile forces acting on the edges of the wound during healing are a major factor in determining the final appearance of a scar. Injecting botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) locally to produce temporary muscular paralysis to relieve the tensile forces acting on suture line, thus improving the appearance of the scar. In this study, patients with posttraumatic facial lacerations were locally injected with BTX-A before suturing (with vicryl 4-0 and ethilon 5-0 in layers). BTX-A reformulated with local anesthetic with vasoconstrictive was used in this study for immediate action. Patients were followed for a duration of 6 months with standardized photographs of the scar for evaluation. A total of 50 patients with traumatic facial lacerations were included in the study. This study demonstrated significantly less increase in scar width (P = 0.000) and irregularities (P = 0.017), and improved discoloration of the scar (P = 0.000) in patients who received BTX-A injection. The overall results showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement over the period of 6 months. Both visual analog scale scoring and patient self-assessment scale were favorable in the BTX-A group, showing statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05). Botulinum toxin-induced immobilization of the wound enhances healing and improves the eventual appearance of the scar.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin A and Pulsed Radiofrequency on Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and pulsed radiofrequency (RF) in the clinical treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A total of 100 patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50 per group): RF group and BoNT-A group. Based on conventional drug treatment, patients were treated with either a single nerve root pulsed radiofrequency therapy or a single local subcutaneous injection of BoNT-A in the lesion area. All the patients were followed up for 24 weeks on pain scores, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression scores, etc. In the last follow-up at the end of 24 weeks postoperation, the pain scores of patients in both groups were significantly lower than those before the operation (P < 0.05), indicating that both treatments were effective against PHN; however, there was no significant difference between these two groups (P > 0.05). It is noteworthy that the subcutaneous injection of BoNT-A is relatively easy to administer and less expensive compared to RF. Therefore, we believe that the subcutaneous injection of BoNT-A is an effective and safe method for the treatment of PHN.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection as a Therapeutic Option in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by a Supernumerary Scalenus Muscle: A Case Report

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a neurovascular syndrome and may occur as a result of compression of brachial plexus elements and/or subclavian vessels as they traverse the cervicoaxillary canal. One of the causes of TOS is the existence of a supernumerary scalene muscle, usually denominated as scalenus minimus. Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) acts by binding presynaptically to high-affinity recognition sites on the cholinergic nerve terminals and decreases the release of acetylcholine, suppressing muscle overactivity. BoNT-A reduces contraction in injected muscles, causing focal chemodenervation and has been described as a non surgical effective treatment in selected cases of TOS. Here, is the case of a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with refractory TOS, who presented with paresthesia in the fourth and fifth fingers of her right hand, associated with a feeling of lack of coordination in the same hand. On Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a supernumerary scalene muscle was identified as a probable cause of TOS. She was treated with chemodenervation of the scalenus anterior muscle (30 Units) and scalenus medius muscle (30 Units), using incobotulinumtoxin A. The patient had a very significant clinical improvement after Anterior Scalene (AS) and Middle Scalene (MS) muscle BoNT-A injections. Incobotulinumtoxin A neurotoxin injection is a therapeutic option in TOS.

Botulinum Toxin Type A for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PurposeBotulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been proposed as a treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect and safety of BTX-A for treating DPN pain.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles published up to July 7, 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included if they were related to the treatment of DPN pain with BTX-A. The primary outcome was the change in intensity of pain and secondary outcomes were adverse effects and changes in sleep and life quality.ResultsA total of four studies, comprising 231 patients, were included in our systematic review. BTX-A treatment induced a greater reduction in the visual analog scale score (mean difference = −2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−3.06, −1.99], p < 0.001) than did the placebo treatment, with no significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0). BTX-A treatment improved several neuropathy pain scale items (eg, hot sensation, sensitive sensation, unpleasant sensation, deep pain, and surface pain) significantly more than with placebo treatment (p < 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in adverse effect (relative risk = 1.00, 95% CI [0.97, 1.03], p = 0.89).ConclusionIntradermal BTX-A injection was shown to be effective and safe in relieving DPN pain. Further larger scale and well-designed RCTs are needed.

Botulinum Toxin Injections for Treatment of Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: We aimed to review and analyse the effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections for drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Data sources: We searched the EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library) databases from inception to January 2020. Methods: We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies which (1) involved children with cerebral palsy, (2) used BoNT-A for control of drooling, and (3) provided quantitative evaluations of drooling before and after intervention with BoNT-A. Results: Twenty-one trials met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that BoNT-A injections are safe and efficacious as a treatment for drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Four trials had sufficient data to pool the results for the meta-analysis. Both the drooling quotient (p = 0.002) and drooling Ffrequency and severity scale (p = 0.004) supported this conclusion. Conclusion: BoNT-A injections are a safe, reversible, effective treatment for drooling control in children with cerebral palsy that can offer effectiveness for more than 3 months with few side effects. The dosage of BoNT-A should not exceed 4 units/kg. Further studies are required to determine the optimal dosage and target glands.