Early antitoxin treatment in wound botulism results in better outcome.
Wound botulism in 7 heroin 'skin poppers' produced ophthalmoplegia and descending paralysis. Rapid recovery occurred in 2 who received the antitoxin within the fourth day of symptom onset. A poor outcome was seen in 4 who received the antitoxin after the eighth day of symptoms and 1 who did not receive the antitoxin. Early antitoxin administration is important in achieving a favorable outcome.
Chang
Gregory Youngnam
GY
Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif 91208, USA. gychang@yahoo.com
Ganguly
Gautam
G
D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology*; D000328:Adult; D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001906:Botulism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin; D003932:Heroin