Paradoxical masseteric bulging after botulinum neurotoxin type A injection.

Paradoxical masseteric bulging refers to an unexpected occurrence of masseter muscle bulging or protrusion following the administration of botulinum toxin injections, contrary to the anticipated muscle weakening effect. It may occur secondary to toxin failing to diffuse through the entire masseter muscle due to the presence of an inferior tendon structure within the superficial masseter that divides it into a superficial and deep belly. We report a clinical case of paradoxical masseteric bulging in a female in her late 40s who developed this adverse effect within a week of her masseter botulinum neurotoxin type A injections. We also describe the masseter two-site injection technique for the management of this complication.

Effectiveness and Safety of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Adolescent Patients with Chronic Migraine.

Chronic migraine (CM) significantly affects underage individuals. The study objectives are (1) to analyze the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) in adolescents with CM; (2) to review the literature on BTX-A use in the pediatric population. This prospective observational study included patients under 18 years old with CM treated with BTX-A (PREEMPT protocol) as compassionate use. Demographic, efficacy (monthly headache days-MHD; monthly migraine days-MMD; acute medication days/month-AMDM) and side effect data were collected. A ≥ 50% reduction in MHD was considered as a response. Effectiveness and safety were analyzed at 6 and 12 months. A systematic review of the use of BTX-A in children/adolescents was conducted in July 2023. In total, 20 patients were included (median age 15 years [14.75-17], 70% (14/20) females). The median basal frequencies were 28.8 [20-28] MHD, 18 [10-28] MMD and 10 [7.5-21.2] AMDM. Compared with baseline, at 6 months (n = 20), 11 patients (55%) were responders, with a median reduction in MHD of -20 days/month (p = 0.001). At 12 months (n = 14), eight patients (57.1%) were responders, with a median reduction in MHD of -17.5 days/month (p = 0.002). No adverse effects were reported. The literature search showed similar results. Our data supports the concept that BTX-A is effective, well tolerated, and safe in adolescents with CM resistant to oral preventatives.

Botulinum toxin and hyperhidrosis of the amputation stump in war amputees.

INTRODUCTION: Stump hyperhidrosis is a common condition after lower limb amputation. It affects the prosthesis use, and the quality of life of patients. Several case reports tried to prove benefit of using Botulinum toxin in its treatment. AIM: This study was to conduct a larger workforce clinical trial and to demonstrate benefits of botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of stump hyperhidrosis. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. War amputees who complained of annoying excessive sweating of the stump were included. They received intradermal injection of botulinum toxin A in the residual limb area in contact with prosthetic socket. Abundance of sweating and degree of functional discomfort associated with it were assessed before, after 3 weeks, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Seventeen male patients, followed for post-traumatic limb amputation were included in the study. Discomfort and bothersome in relation to Hyperhidrosis did decrease after treatment (p<0,001). Reported satisfaction after 3 weeks was 73,33%. Improvement of prothesis loosening up after 3 weeks was 72,5% [±15,6]. Mean injection-induced pain on the visual analogue scale was 5.17/10 (±1.58). The mean interval after the onset of improvement was 5.13 days [min:3, max:8]. The mean time of improvement was 10.4 months after the injection [min:6, max:12]. No major adverse events were reported following treatment. CONCLUSION: Intradermal injections of botulinum toxin in the symptomatic treatment of stump hyperhidrosis are effective and have few adverse effects. It improves the quality of life of our patients thanks to a better tolerance of the prosthesis.

Intravesical Injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botulinum Toxin Type A) in Japanese Patients With Refractory Overactive Bladder.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Botulinum toxin intravesical injection therapy (hereafter, botulinum therapy) is approved in Japan for treating urinary urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence due to refractory overactive bladder or neurogenic bladder. Although botulinum therapy is classified as urinary incontinence surgery, it is minimally invasive, effective, and safe. However, there are few reports on the actual use of botulinum therapy and examination of its effects and side-effects. Herein, we report real-world data on botulinum therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who received botulinum therapy for refractory overactive bladder at the Nara Medical University and affiliated facilities from May 2020 to May 2022 were enrolled. The patient background, treatment efficacy, and safety were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases of refractory overactive bladder (age: 68.4±14.1 years; 7 males, 16 females; 17 outpatient, 6 hospitalized) were enrolled. Pretreatment, the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) was 10.1±2.7, and post-void residual urine volume was 27.1±31.6 ml. Botulinum was administered once, twice, thrice, and four times in 11, eight, three, and one cases, respectively. OABSS decreased to 6.1±3.2 2 weeks after botulinum therapy (p<0.0001), and the effect persisted at 6.6±3.2 after 12 weeks (p<0.0001). Post-void residual urine volume increased to 74.6±79.2 ml after 2 weeks (p=0.0010), but subsequently improved to 33.9±42.0 ml after 12 weeks (p=0.0002). Adverse events included post-void residual urine volume of 200 ml or more in three patients (7.5%) and urinary retention grade 2 in two (5.0%). CONCLUSION: Botulinum therapy is effective and relatively safe for refractory overactive bladders.

Compared to oxcarbazepine and carbamazepine, botulinum toxin type A is a useful therapeutic option for trigeminal neuralgia symptoms: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to compare the effectiveness of three treatments: BTX A, CBZ, and OXB, in managing trigeminal neuralgia (TN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a thorough search for research articles related to our issue using specific keywords on several databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Elsevier, Springer Journals, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, and Web of Science. Our focus was on publications from 1965 to 2023. RESULTS: We retrieved 46 articles from the search and reviewed them carefully. Out of these, we selected 29 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected articles, 11 investigated the effects of CBZ and OXB, while 18 explored the impact of BTX A on the improvement of TN symptoms. The response rate ranged between 56% and 90.5% for CBZ and between 90.9% and 94% for OXB. The response rate for BTX A ranged between 51.4% and 100%. All these three treatments had a remarkable effect on the improvement of TN. Importantly, findings highlighted that side effects of CBZ and OXB could lead to treatment discontinuation in some cases, whereas BTX A's side effects have been minimal and less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, BTX A emerges as a promising alternative for TN treatment. However, additional clinical trials are necessary to validate this finding, and further research is required to establish a standardized protocol for administering BTX A in TN.

Iatrogenic botulism cases after gastric and axillary application of botulinum toxin and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic botulism is a rare, serious disease that progresses with descending paralysis and develops after cosmetic or therapeutic botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) application. CASE PRESENTATIONS: In this case series; six cases of iatrogenic botulism followed up in our center are presented. Four of these developed after gastric BoNT-A and two after axillary BoNT-A application. RESULTS: The most important cause for the disease was the use of unlicensed products and high-dose toxin applications. The first symptoms were blurred vision, double vision, difficulty in swallowing, and hoarseness. Symptoms appeared within 4-10 days after the application of BoNT-A. Symptoms progressed in the course of descending paralysis in the following days with fatigue, weakness in extremities and respiratory distress. Diagnosis was based on patient history and clinical findings. The main principles of foodborne botulism therapy were applied in the treatment of iatrogenic botulism. If clinical worsening continued, regardless of the time elapsed after BoNT-A application, the use of botulinum antitoxin made a significant contribution to clinical improvement and was recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Routine and new indications for BoNT-A usage are increasing and, as a result, cases of iatrogenic botulism will be encountered more frequently. Physicians should be alert for iatrogenic botulism in the follow-up after BoNT-A applications and in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases that are presented with similar findings.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most prevalent type of alopecia among adult women. Presently, topical minoxidil stands as the sole treatment endorsed by the FDA. Addressing cases of FPHL in individuals who develop contact dermatitis in response to minoxidil can pose a challenge for dermatologists. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) in treating FPHL. METHODS: Enrolled outpatients with FPHL who exhibited an allergic reaction to minoxidil solution. Diagnosis of FPHL was established through clinical examination and trichoscopy. Inclusion criteria involved patients with no prior treatment within the last year and without any comorbidities. BTA, specifically 100 units, was mixed with 2 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Twenty injection target sites, spaced 2-3 cm apart, were symmetrically marked on the hairless area of the scalp. A dosage of five units was intradermally injected at each target site. Representative photographs and dermoscopic images of the scalp were captured before and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 10 FPHL, aged between 26 and 40 years, were included. The average age was 30.3 ± 4.64 years, and all patients had a positive family history of Androgenetic Alopecia. The average duration of the disease was 3.70 ± 1.42 years. According to patients' self-assessment, after 1 month of treatment, 10 FPHL patients reported experiencing moderate to marked improvement in symptoms related to scalp oil secretion. Three months later, dermatological assessments showed that three had mild improvement, six had no change, and one had a worsening condition. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the effectiveness of BTA for FPHL is limited to 3 months. However, it can be considered for tentative use after effective communication with patients. The long-term efficacy and safety of BTA in treating FPHL require further observation and study.

The effectiveness of botulinum toxin for temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The current body of research on utilizing botulinum toxin (BTX) to manage temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) has not yet yielded definitive conclusions. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of BTX in pain reduction for TMDs compared to placebo and other treatments. The secondary outcomes evaluated were adverse events, maximum mouth opening, bruxism events, and maximum occlusal force. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Dimension Publication, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The RoB 2 tool was used for quality assessment. The mean differences in pain scores were estimated to measure the effect of BTX on pain reduction. For adverse events, the risk ratio for the incidence of side effects was calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty non-duplicate articles were identified; however, only 14 RCTS were included in this review. The total study population included 395 patients. The overall risk of bias showed a low to moderate quality of evidence. Results from 6 studies were reported only narratively; four studies were used for meta-analysis on pain reduction, and five were used for meta-analysis on adverse events. The control used in the meta-analysis was placebo injections. Results of the meta-analysis for pain reduction were statistically insignificant for the BTX group with mean differences at MD = -1.71 (95% CI, -2.87 to -0.5) at one month, -1.53 (95% CI, -2.80 to -0.27) at three months, and -1.33 (95% CI, -2.74 to 0.77) at six months. This showed that BTX treatment was not significantly better than placebo for a reduction in pain scores at 1, 3, and 6 months. Regarding safety, the placebo group showed a relative risk of 1.34 (95%CI, 0.48-6.78) and 1.17 (95%CI, 0.54-3.88) at 1 and 3 months respectively. However, the risks were not statistically significant. There was also no difference in the effectiveness of BTX compared to placebo and other treatments for maximum mouth opening, bruxism events, and maximum occlusal force. CONCLUSION: BTX was not associated with better outcomes in terms of pain reduction, adverse events, maximum mouth opening, bruxism events, and maximum occlusal force. More high-quality RCTs are needed to better understand this topic.

Botulinum toxin: a new differential diagnosis for a lytic bone lesion.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin, produced by the Gram-positive anaerobe Clostridium botulinum, is composed of seven antigenic subtypes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G). Currently, only Botulinum toxin type A, commonly referred to as "Botox," is approved for clinical use, given its relatively safe clinical profile. Botulinum toxin type A has a wide range of therapeutic indications, including treatment for dystonia, migraine headache, neurogenic bladder, and large muscle spastic disorders. However, the toxin is most widely known for its cosmetic effects in treating wrinkles and facial lines. CASE PRESENTATION: This article describes a 62-year-old Caucasian female who presented for investigation and workup of an isolated lytic lesion of her frontal bone a few weeks after administration of botulinum toxin injection into the corresponding site in the frontalis muscle. This presented as a large, palpable, painless forehead lump causing significant psychological distress. After no neoplastic cause for the lesion was found and histopathology was performed, our researchers concluded that the most likely explanation was that the bony lytic lesion resulted from inadvertent injection of the "Botox" neurotoxin through the intended target muscle and into the cortex of the underlying bone. CONCLUSIONS: Our search of the literature failed to identify any previous cases of this occurring. However, as the popularity of this cosmetic procedure only increases, we believe that this represents an important possible differential for isolated lytic lesion after administration of "Botox" injection.

Botulinum Toxin-Induced Parotitis: A Postoperative Complication Following Masseter Muscle Injection.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is a common treatment for bruxism, but there is no literature on potential salivary gland complications. This paper presents a case of acute parotitis in a 60-year-old female following BTX injections to the masseter muscle. This case highlights the possible salivary gland complications after injection of BTX into the masticatory muscles. An electronic search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to create a literature review in order to delve into the etiology behind the presented case and suggest potential preventive measures to avoid salivary gland complications. Thirty-one articles are reviewed and discussed. Currently, there is no consensus on the causes of the mentioned complication. However, various factors have been proposed, encompassing anatomical, physiological, biological, and physical aspects. Several methods have been recommended for the safe injection of BTX, which, along with better medical training and knowledge, are warranted to achieve predictable results.

Pain Related to Intradetrusor BotulinumtoxinA: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) is an effective treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), but few studies have been done to evaluate injection techniques. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate procedural discomfort between 2 commonly used injection techniques for BTX-A. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial of women undergoing injection of 100 U BTX-A for idiopathic OAB. Patients were randomized to 5 mL/5 injection or 10 mL/10 injection groups. Bladder pain was assessed by a validated Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Overactive bladder symptoms were assessed with a standardized questionnaire (Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form). Patient satisfaction, treatment efficacy, and adverse events were assessed at 30 days after procedure. RESULTS: One hundred eight patients were randomized to 52 in the 5 mL/5 injection arm and 56 in the 10 mL/10 injection arm. Mean procedural pain scores were 3.2 (±2.3) in the 5 mL/5 injection group versus 3.6 (±2.1) in the 10 mL/10 injection group (P = 0.21). No difference was found when categorizing pain scores into ordinal outcomes of low (P = 0.55), medium (P = 0.70), and high (P = 1.0) or a binary outcome of low (P = 0.55) versus medium + high (P = 0.55). Multivariate analyses did not effect statistical significance between the 2 groups for the ordinal outcome (odds ratio = 1.86; 95% confidence interval = 0.77 = 4.52; P = 0.17) or the binary outcome (odds ratio = 1.81; 95% confidence interval = 0.68-4.77; P = 0.28). No difference was observed between overall patient satisfaction, global impression of improvement, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form scores, or adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Procedural discomfort related to BTX-A injection for idiopathic OAB was not different between 2 injection protocols. Overall satisfaction was high for both groups, and there was no difference in symptom scores or adverse events.

The Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Medically Refractory Pediatric Patients With Chronic Daily Headaches and Its Impact on the Quality of Life.

Background: Chronic migraine in children has been a challenging condition to treat, prompting the investigation of alternative therapies. This retrospective single-center chart review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Botox injections for managing chronic migraine in children. Methods: The study included children with chronic daily headaches and chronic migraine who were medically refractory to previous treatments at OSF Healthcare/Illinois Neurological Institute, Peoria, between 2015 and 2021. Botox injections were administered quarterly following a specific protocol. Data were obtained from electronic medical records by manual review. Results: Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria (median age 15.4 years, 87% female). Comorbidities included depression (41.6%) and sleep disturbances (33.2%). Prior to Botox treatment, patients had been tried on a median number of 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4, 7) medications. Botox injections resulted in a significant reduction in headache frequency, with a mean difference (6 months vs pretreatment) in the Headache Impact Test (HIT 3) scores of -19.6 (95% CI -24.8, -14.3), P < .001, and mean difference in the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores of -50.8 (95% CI -62.6, -39.0, P < .001). Subjective improvements included mood enhancement (13/24, 54.2%) and improved concentration (12/24, 50%). Treatment-related side effects were reported by 5/24 (20%) of patients and were mostly mild to moderate. Conclusions: Botox injections offer a promising therapeutic option for managing chronic migraine in children who have not responded to traditional medications. Future controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies are needed to further evaluate Botox treatment's benefits and adverse effects in children with chronic migraine.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Update on Systematic Review With Meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: Pain management in patients with TN is challenging, as facial pain often does not respond well to conventional therapies. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been suggested as a potential treatment option, but there is limited evidence regarding its long-term efficacy. This review aimed to analyze the current data for the use of in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and highlight the evidence for its efficacy and safety. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in various databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials, and Cochrane Library) to identify clinical studies evaluating the use of BTX-A in TN until October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), single-arm studies, and stratified studies were included in the analysis. The mean difference (MD), effect size (ES), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, pain episode frequency, and the proportion of responders. RESULTS: The analysis included 23 studies, including 4 RCTs, 14 single-arm studies, and 5 stratified studies. In the RCTs, BTX-A was found to significantly reduce mean VAS scores compared with baseline (ES: -4.05; 95% CI: -6.13, -1.97; P =0.002). In 19 non-RCTs, the pooled single-arm analysis revealed that BTX-A decreased VAS scores (ES: -5.19, 95% CI: -6.05, -4.33, P <0.001) and pain attack frequency (ES: -17.85, 95% CI: -23.36, -12.34, P <0.001) from baseline to the end of follow-up. The overall proportion of responders to BTX-A treatment was also significant (95% CI: 0.653, 0.761, P =0.003). DISCUSSION: Current evidence indicates that BTX-A injection is an effective and safe option for patients with refractory TN or not responding to medical or surgical management. However, more high-quality studies are needed to further confirm its efficacy.

Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Botox Application and Iatrogenic Botulism: Panacea or Peril?

Clostridium botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) creates temporary paralysis in the muscles by acting on the muscle-nerve junction. It is injected into the mimic muscles when a decrease in the movements of the mimic muscles is desired. Despite many favorable applications, the use of BoNT-A is not without drawbacks. Although there is no expected serious side effect on health in BoNT-A treatments, various problems can be encountered in patients treated for aesthetic purposes. Botulism is a rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome, which is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which acts on the nervous system, vegetative forms of C. botulinum can only survive in anaerobic conditions, while spore forms are common in nature and can withstand harsh conditions. Botulism can stem from bacterial spores which release toxin in the body; in the form of enteric botulism, and wound botulism. The cases that develop 'iatrogenic botulism' after such procedures are usually those receiving high-dose toxin for therapeutic purposes. The treatment of botulism mainly consists of anti-toxin therapy and, if necessary, intensive care to prevent organ failures, including respiratory support. This article aims to cover all these issues related to botulism and other adverse outcomes related to BoNT-A injection in light of the most recent literature.

A Phase III Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A (MASPORT) with DYSPORT for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A is a widely used treatment of facial wrinkles. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a new botulinum toxin type A (Masport [abobotulinum toxin A], MasoonDarou Co) with DYSPORT® for the treatment of glabellar lines. METHODS: 262 subjects with moderate-to-severe glabellar lines received either a fixed dose of 50 units of MASPORT® or DYSPORT® (Ipsen Company, England). Subjects were followed up at 14, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after injection. Efficacy was assessed by investigator at maximum frown and rest and also by Subject Global Assessment of Change (SGA). The responders were defined as persons with +2 grade improvement from baseline for both investigator and patient assessment. The occurrence and duration of adverse effects were recorded up throughout the study. RESULTS: According to the investigator evaluations, the responder rate at maximum frown were 94.5% for MASPORT and 95.6% for DYSPORT group on day 30 and at rest were 85.45% and 85.68% for MASPORT and DYSPORT group, respectively. According to the subject self-assessment, the proportion of responders in MASPORT group at day 30 was 95.28% versus 97.04% for DYSPORT group. No serious drug related adverse effect was recorded in either study groups, and the rates of adverse effects were similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: Abobotulinum toxin A [MASPORT] is equally safe and effective as commercial product [DYSPORT] for the treatment of glabellar lines with the dose of 50 units, up to 120 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 .

Optimized Patient Outcomes With the Novel Modality of Corrective Chemical Peel and Neurotoxin on Same-Day Treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to improve standards of care in the cosmetic treatment of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Chemical Peels and Neurotoxins have been traditionally used cosmetically as monotherapies. This study aimed to confirm that the same-day combination created no additional side effects while also improving outcomes. METHODS: The multi-generational study enrolled 30 patients with Fitzpatrick I-VI representation. The Roberts Skin Type Classification System was used to establish baseline patient information. Patients were treated with a VI Peel®, followed by Botox®. Objectively, photographic matching, Wrinkle Severity Scale, Uniformity of Pigment Scale, and Skin Tone Scales were used to evaluate skin improvement. Patient questionnaires were issued to assess satisfaction. RESULTS: Safety of the same-day combination was established with no adverse events reported. Improvements on the Wrinkle Severity Scale showed an average rating dropping from 1.46 to 0.59 representing a 60% improvement. Improvements on the Uniformity of Pigment Scale showed an average rating dropping from 2.27 to 0.92 representing a 59% improvement. Improvements on the Skin Tone Scale showed an average rating dropping from 2.35 to 0.71 representing a 70% improvement. Questionnaires correlated with objective findings with high satisfaction.  Conclusion: This study confirmed the safety of the same-day combination. The efficacy of VI Peel & Botox same-day treatment was clinically proven by the improvements to Wrinkle Severity, Uniformity of Pigment, and Skin Tone via photographic matching. While perception studies indicated strong patient satisfaction with the combination. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1349-1354.   doi:10.36849/JDD.7194R1.

A Two-Stage Injection Technique and Dose-Ranging Study Using High-Dose AbobotulinumtoxinA for Treating Platysmal Bands.

BACKGROUND: AbobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) is useful for the treatment of platysmal banding. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a standardized 2-staged injection technique using high doses of AboBoNT-A for treating platysmal banding. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, dose-ranging prospective study. Subjects included adults with moderate-to-severe platysmal bands (grade 3 or 4 on the validated 5-point photographic scale), who received either 120 U (Cohort 1) or 180 U (Cohort 2) of aboBoNT-A, followed by an optional 90 U touch-up. The relatively higher on-label concentration of aboBoNT-A was used (1.5 mL/300 units) to reduce the volume injected and the risk of spread to adjacent muscles. Subjects were followed for 5 months, with safety and efficacy endpoints evaluated by the Investigator Live Assessment (ILA) and Subject Live Assessment (SLA). RESULTS: Twenty women were included in the analysis. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 had 100% and 90% responder rates (achieved grade 1 or 2) during maximal contraction at month 1 with ILA. Cohort 2 had more subjects with 2 or greater grade improvement at maximal contraction using both ILA and SLA. Cohort 2 also had longer time to loss of grade 1 or 2 at maximal contraction compared with Cohort 1. No major adverse reactions occurred, but 3 subjects experienced transient positional neck weakness. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a standardized 2-stage injection technique using aboBoNT-A for effectively treating moderate-to-severe platysmal banding. We used relatively higher doses while maintaining a good safety profile by using the more concentrated on-label volume of reconstitution for aboBoNT-A and by including a touch-up. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1311-1318.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7537.

Does the Use of Botulinum Toxin in Treatment of Myofascial Pain Disorder of the Masseters and Temporalis Muscles Reduce Pain, Improve Function, or Enhance Quality of Life?

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of botulinum toxin for management of myofascial pain disorder (MPD) remains controversial. PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine if the use of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) in patients with MPD reduces pain, improves function, or enhances quality of life (QoL). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects with orofacial pain were screened for MPD as defined by the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was MPD treatment with random assignment to onabotA or placebo (saline). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was pain before treatment (T0) and at 1 month (T1) using a visual analog scale. Secondary outcome variables included pain at 2 months (T2) and 3 months (T3), maximal incisal opening (MIO), jaw function (jaw functional limitation scale), and QoL (Short Form 36) measured at T0, T1, T2, and T3. COVARIATES: Covariates included subject demographics, prior treatments, and temporomandibular joint signs/symptoms. ANALYSES: Descriptive and bivariate statistics included χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, or t-test. RESULTS: Seventy five subjects with a mean age of 37 (±11) and 35 (±12) years in the onabotA and placebo groups, respectively (P = .6). Females represented 32 (86%) and 29 (76%), respectively (P = .3). Mean visual analog scale pain score in the onabotA group was 58 (±15), 39 (±24), 38 (±23), and 38 (±20) at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively; and the placebo group was 54 (±14), 40 (±23), 34 (±20), and 36 (±22) at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in pain between groups at any time point (P = .36). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in MIO (P = .124), jaw function (P = .236), or QoL domains (P > .05) at any time point. Within-group improvement in pain was seen in both groups (P < .005). Within-group improvement in jaw function was seen in the onabotA (P = .007) and placebo (P = .005) groups. There was no within-group improvement in MIO or QoL with either group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: OnabotA and saline (placebo) injections both decrease pain and improve jaw function in subjects with MPD.

Subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus following botulinum toxin injections: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of cosmetic injections has led to an increased incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Here, we presented a case of cutaneous Mycobacterium abscessus infection subsequent to botulinum toxin injection for treating masseter hypertrophy, and reviewed the literature on skin and soft tissue infections caused by NTM after cosmetic injections. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The patient underwent surgical excision and regular antibiotic therapy and has had nearly 2 months of follow-up without any signs of infection. The diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection have always been challenging, and further research is needed to standardize and guide the treatment.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin for rosacea with positive impact on quality of life and self-esteem.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial pathophysiology. It compromises several skin structures, including the proliferation and dilation of dermal blood vessels, primarily in the central areas of the face, accompanied by significant psychosocial impairment, leading to reduced quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem. There are consensus guidelines for its treatment, but few options for the erythema. This study hypothesizes that treating rosacea skin lesions with botulinum toxin (BTX) could improve signs and symptoms, resulting in enhanced QoL and self-esteem. METHODS: This interventional, open, uncontrolled, and prospective study, conducted at a single center, included 33 individuals diagnosed with rosacea, treated with standard therapeutic options according to the rosacea subtype plus superficial injections of BTX, and followed up for 90 days. Botulinum toxin injections were applied on Days 1 and 14. Clinical features and side effects were assessed at each visit; QoL, self-esteem, and medication adherence questionnaires were administered on Days 1 and 90. RESULTS: Treatment with BTX yielded improvement in the clinical signs of rosacea, registered by the investigators, and reported by 94% of the participants. Improved QoL scores (P < 0.05) and a notable increase in self-esteem scores (P < 0.001) were demonstrated. Rare adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of BTX superficial injections in patients with rosacea was safe and effective, improving the clinical appearance of the lesions. Despite some limitations, to our knowledge, this is the first study that showed the positive impact of this treatment modality on both QoL and self-esteem.