Botulinum toxin increases tearing in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: a preliminary report.
Three patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) who had severe xerophthalmia and blepharospasm received botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of their blepharospasm. They had a remarkable increase in tearing, measured by Schirmer's test, and a decrease in signs and symptoms of dry eyes after botulinum toxin injection periorbitally for blepharospasm. The mechanism for this increased tearing is unclear, but suggests a potential treatment for patients with severe xerophthalmia with SS.
Spiera
H
H
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.
Asbell
P A
PA
Simpson
D M
DM
D000368:Aged; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins