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Botulinum toxin: influence on respiratory heart rate variation
D Claus1, A Druschky, F Erbguth
1Department of Neurology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Local botulinum toxin injections for spasmodic torticollis may affect autonomic cardiac function. A study found significant changes in heart rate variation after the second injection, though no clinical side effects were observed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Local intramuscular botulinum toxin injections are used to treat spasmodic torticollis.
- Potential remote adverse effects on autonomic function require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the remote effects of local intramuscular botulinum toxin on autonomic cardiac innervation.
- To assess changes in heart rate variation (HRV) following botulinum toxin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up study involving 26 patients with spasmodic torticollis.
- Computerized analysis of respiratory heart rate variation (HRV) parameters.
- Inclusion of parameters such as coefficient of variation, RMSSD, and spectral analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant HRV changes were observed after the first botulinum toxin injection.
- A significant attenuation of four HRV parameters was noted after the second injection, persisting for months.
- No clinically apparent remote side effects or cardiac arrhythmias were detected during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Local intramuscular botulinum toxin has a demonstrable effect on autonomic cardiac innervation.
- While HRV parameters are altered, botulinum toxin treatment appears safe regarding cardiac function in the short term.