Repeated botulinum toxin type A injections to treat patients with Frey syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of repeated intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A to treat Frey syndrome.


METHODS
Between January 6, 1999, and July 1, 2005, 22 patients with Frey syndrome (12 men and 10 women) received repeated intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin type A.


METHODS
Before each treatment, the time since the previous treatment; the size of the affected area, as determined by a starch-iodine test; and subjective quantification of symptoms, as assessed by the previously used Frey Questionnaire Card, were recorded.


RESULTS
All patients underwent at least 3 treatments. Univariate analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P <.001) in the between-treatment interval. Univariate analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the size of the affected area in accordance with the number of treatments received (P <.001). The mean Frey Questionnaire Card score also decreased with repeated treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with Frey syndrome, repeated treatment with intracutaneous injection of botulinum toxin type A lowered subjective symptom scores, decreased the size of the affected area, and increased the duration of the effect.
de Bree
Remco
R
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. r.bree@vumc.nl
Duyndam
Jeff E
JE
Kuik
Dirk J
DJ
Leemans
C René
CR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013547:Sweating, Gustatory / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A