Liquid-type Botulinum Toxin Type A in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: A Prospective Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is commonly treated with botulinum toxin (BTX).
• Conventional BTX formulations require reconstitution, posing risks of contamination and requiring precise dosing.
• A novel liquid-type BTX type A (BTX-A) has been developed to streamline the treatment process and potentially improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of liquid-type BTX-A in patients with ADSD.
• To compare the outcomes of liquid-type BTX-A with traditional freeze-dried BTX-A.

Main Methods:

• A prospective pilot study involving 12 patients with ADSD receiving 26 liquid-type BTX-A injections.
• A control group of 34 patients with ADSD who received 52 vocal fold injections of freeze-dried BTX-A.
• Comparison of symptom improvement, voice quality, and adverse events between the two groups.

Main Results:

• Both liquid-type and freeze-dried BTX-A groups showed symptom improvement and periods of normal voice.
• Adverse events, primarily breathiness, were similar in both groups, with comparable onset, peak, and duration.
• No significant differences in efficacy or adverse events were observed between the liquid-type and freeze-dried BTX-A formulations.

Conclusions:

• Liquid-type BTX-A is a safe and effective treatment option for ADSD.
• Its ease of preparation, storage, and reuse, along with animal protein-free constituents, make it a favorable choice.
• Liquid-type BTX-A presents a viable alternative for managing spasmodic dysphonia.