Intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin is effective in long-term treatment of esophageal achalasia.
We investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of intrasphincteric injections of botulinum toxin (100 U) in 57 patients with esophageal achalasia. One month after treatment, 50 patients had improved (88%); both symptom score and LES pressure were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 24+/-15 months (range 6-48), 43 patients (75%) are still in remission, although repeat injections of toxin were needed to achieve a stable effect on symptoms.
Division of Gastroenterology, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
V
V
Annese
M
M
Basciani
O
O
Borrelli
G
G
Leandro
P
P
Simone
A
A
Andriulli
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins