Effectiveness of botulinum toxin A in treatment of refractory erythromelalgia.

Abstract

Erythromelalgia is characterized by intense burning pain, erythema, and heat in affected areas after precipitating factors such as warm temperature or stress. It is refractory to treatment in some situations. We describe a woman with adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the lung and medically refractory erythromelalgia. The symptoms of erythromelalgia presented as refractory to any medical treatment. Due to the unresponsive nature of her condition, botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxin A) was injected over both of her cheeks, periodically for six cycles. Her symptoms responded dramatically to subcutaneous and intradermal injection of botulinum toxin type A. Repetitive injection demonstrated consistent and reproducible responses, and the efficacy was maintained for approximately 1 month. No adverse effects or complications were noted. Botulinum toxin type A might be safe and effective as an alternative treatment for refractory erythromelalgia, but further large-scale studies are required.

• Authors: Kuan-Hsiang Lin, Shuu-Jiun Wang, Jong-Ling Fuh, Shih-Pin Chen
• Journal: Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA (J Chin Med Assoc) Vol. 76 Issue 5 Pg. 296-8 (May 2013) ISSN: 1728-7731 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23683264 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (therapeutic use)
• Erythromelalgia (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged