Iatrogenic botulism after botulinum toxin type A injections

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2010 May;33(3):158-60. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181d479e0.

Abstract

Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin type A (BT/A) is well known, effective, and safe. Iatrogenic botulism that presents with generalized weakness, dysphagia, and respiratory distress is a rare but significant complication in BT/A treatment. In this study, we report 4 patients who developed iatrogenic botulism after receiving therapeutic doses of BT/A for spasticity and blepharospasm. One patient was placed in intensive care unit, but consequently, every patient recovered fully. The cause of BT/A as an adverse effect is most likely hematological spread of the toxin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blepharospasm / drug therapy
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use
  • Botulism / etiology*
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A