Treatment of blepharospasm with botulinum neurotoxin type A: long-term results.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the long-term efficacy and side effects of treatment of blepharospasm with botulinum neurotoxin type A (Botox).


METHODS
A total of 178 patients with blepharospasm were treated by injections of botulinum toxin in the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples from 1980 to 2001. The severity of spasm for each patient was graded on a four-point scale. Duration of improvement was assessed and reported in months.


RESULTS
Of 178 cases, 10 were lost to follow-up; of the remaining patients, 93% reported improvement after treatments. The mean duration of improvement was 3.6 months. Twelve patients (76%) who underwent more than 14 treatments maintained stable relief. Three patients (1.7%) had a total remission of spasms. Side-effects were local; none of the 168 patients experienced any systemic or toxic reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Botulinum toxin therapy for blepharospasm can provide long-lasting relief and reduction of spasms in the majority of patients. This therapy has the advantages of being safe, simple, and repeatable.
Calace
P
P
Department of Ophthalmologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University "Federico II", Napoli, Italy. calace@unina.it
Cortese
G
G
Piscopo
R
R
Della Volpe
G
G
Gagliardi
V
V
Magli
A
A
De Berardinis
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A