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[Essential blepharospasm : Practice-oriented therapy with botulinum toxin employing reduced treatment intervals]
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland. bettina.wabbels@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Summary
Shortened botulinum neurotoxin injection intervals for blepharospasm, using Xeomin®, effectively reduced symptom-free periods without adverse events. This approach optimizes essential blepharospasm management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Botulinum neurotoxin injections are a standard treatment for blepharospasm, typically administered every three months.
- Patients experiencing short-term effects face prolonged intervals without adequate symptom control.
- Concerns regarding increased side effects and antibody formation have historically limited frequent retreatment.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reduced injection intervals (≤10 weeks) for blepharospasm treatment using Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA).
- To assess if Xeomin®, a pure botulinum toxin type A lacking complexing proteins, allows for more frequent injections without adverse events.
Summary:
- A study involving 11 blepharospasm patients treated with Xeomin® at intervals of 10 weeks or less was analyzed.
- No significant adverse events were reported.
- All patients experienced shorter or eliminated periods without treatment effect. Six patients eventually allowed for prolonged intervals due to sustained therapeutic benefits.
Impact:
- Optimized blepharospasm therapy requires consideration of injection intervals alongside dose, distribution, and site.
- Necessary retreatment with botulinum neurotoxin can be safely administered as early as 6 weeks.
- This strategy improves patient quality of life by minimizing symptom-free intervals.
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