Therapeutic outcome of active management in male patients with detrusor underactivity based on clinical diagnosis and videourodynamic classification.

Detrusor underactivity (DU) could be resulted from many different etiologies. Patients with DU might have reduced bladder sensation, low detrusor contractility, and large post-void residual volume. This study analyzed therapeutic outcome of active management for male DU patients, based on clinical and urodynamic characteristics. Male DU patients aged > 18 years old were retrospectively reviewed from the videourodynamic study (VUDS) records in recent 10 years. The patients' demographics, VUDS results, treatment modalities, and treatment outcome were analyzed. The treatment outcomes were compared among patients with different DU subgroups, clinical diagnosis and treatment modalities. Patients with voiding efficiency of > 66.7% were considered having a successful treatment outcome. For comparison, 30 men with normal VUDS finding served as the control arm. Most of the DU patients had reduced bladder sensation. The reduced bladder sensation is closely associated with low detrusor contractility. After active treatment, a successful outcome was achieved in 68.4% of patients after bladder outlet surgery, 59.1% after urethral botulinum toxin A injection, and 57.6% after medical treatment, but only 18.2% after conservative treatment. A successful treatment outcome was achieved in patients with an intact detrusor contractility, either low (69.2%) or normal voiding pressure (81.8%), and in patients with a normal or increased bladder sensation (78.1%). However, patients with detrusor acontractile (41.3%) or absent bladder sensation (17.9%) had less favorable treatment outcome after any kind of urological management. This study revealed that active management can effectively improve voiding efficiency in patients with DU. The normal bladder sensation, presence of adequate detrusor contractility, and bladder outlet narrowing during VUDS provide effective treatment strategy for DU patients. Among all management, BOO surgery provides the best treatment outcome.

First Bite Syndrome: What Neurologists Need to Know.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Though first bite syndrome is well known in surgical settings, it is not commonly included in the differential for sharp paroxysmal facial pain in the neurology literature. This paper will highlight the clinical features and relevant anatomy of first bite syndrome, with the goal of helping clinicians differentiate this from other similar facial pain disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: First bite syndrome is severe sharp or cramping pain in the parotid region occurring with the first bite of each meal and improving with subsequent bites. Pathophysiology has been attributed to imbalanced sympathetic/parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland. This is seen most typically in the post-surgical setting following surgery in the parotid or parapharyngeal region, but neoplastic etiologies have also been reported. It is common for patients to present with concurrent great auricular neuropathy and/or Horner's syndrome. Evidence regarding treatment is limited to case reports/series, however, botulinum toxin injections and neuropathic medicines have been helpful in select cases. It is critical for clinicians to be able to differentiate first bite syndrome from other paroxysmal facial pain. To help with this, we have proposed diagnostic criteria for clinical assessment. Patients often improve gradually over time, but symptomatic treatment with botulinum toxin or neuropathic medicine may be required.

Hypercontractile Esophagus From Pathophysiology to Management: Proceedings of the Pisa Symposium.

Hypercontractile esophagus (HE) is a heterogeneous major motility disorder diagnosed when ≥20% hypercontractile peristaltic sequences (distal contractile integral >8,000 mm Hg*s*cm) are present within the context of normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation (integrated relaxation pressure < upper limit of normal) on esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM). HE can manifest with dysphagia and chest pain, with unclear mechanisms of symptom generation. The pathophysiology of HE may entail an excessive cholinergic drive with temporal asynchrony of circular and longitudinal muscle contractions; provocative testing during HRM has also demonstrated abnormal inhibition. Hypercontractility can be limited to the esophageal body or can include the LES; rarely, the process is limited to the LES. Hypercontractility can sometimes be associated with esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction and increased muscle thickness. Provocative tests during HRM can increase detection of HE, reproduce symptoms, and predict delayed esophageal emptying. Regarding therapy, an empiric trial of a proton pump inhibitor, should be first considered, given the overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors have been used to reduce contraction vigor but with suboptimal symptomatic response. Endoscopic treatment with botulinum toxin injection or pneumatic dilation is associated with variable response. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy may be superior to laparoscopic Heller myotomy in relieving dysphagia, but available data are scant. The presence of EGJ outflow obstruction in HE discriminates a subset of patients who may benefit from endoscopic treatment targeting the EGJ.

A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) remains poorly defined, although it is applied to chronic neuropathic pain following surgical procedures of the breast, including mastectomy and lumpectomy in breast-conserving surgery. It is characterized by persistent pain affecting the anterior thorax, axilla, and/or medial upper arm following mastectomy or lumpectomy. Though the onset of pain is most likely to occur after surgery, there may also be a new onset of symptoms following adjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: The underlying pathophysiology is likely multifactorial, although exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. In this regard, neuralgia of the intercostobrachial nerve is currently implicated as the most common cause of PMPS. Numerous pharmacological options are available in the treatment of PMPS, including gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and nefopam (a non-opioid, non-steroidal benzoxazocine analgesic). Minimally invasive interventional treatment including injection therapy, regional anesthesia, botulinum toxin, and neuromodulation has been demonstrated to have some beneficial effect. A comprehensive update highlighting current perspectives on the treatment of postmastectomy pain syndrome is presented with emphasis on treatments currently available and newer therapeutics currently being evaluated to alleviate this complex and multifactorial condition.

Botulinum Toxin Paves the Way for the Treatment of Functional Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is a potent protein that can selectively modulate neurotransmission from nerve endings, resulting in the blocking of neurotransmitter releases and causing muscular paralysis [...].

Minimally Invasive Therapies for Osteoarthritic Hip Pain: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent cause of chronic hip pain, affecting 27% of adults aged over 45 years and 42% of adults aged over 75 years. Though OA has traditionally been described as a disorder of "wear-and-tear," recent studies have expanded on this understanding to include a possible inflammatory etiology as well, damage to articular cartilage produces debris in the joint that is phagocytosed by synovial cells which leads to inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with OA of the hip frequently have decreased quality of life due to pain and limited mobility though additional comorbidities of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep quality, and obesity have been correlated. Initial treatment with conservative medical management can provide effective symptomatic relief. Physical therapy and exercise are important components of a multimodal approach to osteoarthritic hip pain. Patients with persistent pain may benefit from minimally invasive therapeutic approaches prior to consideration of undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this review is to provide an update of current minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of pain stemming from hip osteoarthritis; these include intra-articular injection of medication, regenerative therapies, and radiofrequency ablation.

Botulinum toxin in the treatment of partially accommodative esotropia with high AC/A ratio.

PURPOSE: To study the outcome of botulinum toxin (BTX) treatment (group 1) in partially accommodative esotropia with high accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio, in comparison with bilateral medial rectus muscles recessions and posterior fixation (group 2). METHODS: In a retrospective comparative study, children aged 3-8 years old treated between 2011 and 2016, with partially accommodative esotropia with high AC/A ratio, deviation at distance of 10 prism diopters or more, and at least 1 year of follow-up, were included. Visual acuity, alternate prism and cover test, stereoacuity, biomicroscopy, and cycloplegic retinoscopy were carried out at initial, baseline visit, 6 months and 1 year after BTX injection or surgery. Main outcome variables were deviation at distance and near, improvement in stereoacuity, and percentage of success. We used multiple regression or proportional odds analysis to control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: Of 95 patients, 84 were eligible, 48 children in group 1 and 36 in group 2. Deviation and stereoacuity were similar in the two groups at 6 months, but significantly better in the BTX group at 1 year (median distance deviation 0 prism diopters vs 5 prism diopters, p<0.01), although differences were not clinically relevant. Percentage of success was also significantly better only at 1 year (93% vs 72%, p = 0.01). Change in distance-near disparity was not significantly different in the two groups in the period of study. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin could be superior to, or as effective as surgery, at middle term, in the treatment of partially accommodative esotropia with high AC/A ratio.

Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Term, Targeted OnabotulinumtoxinA versus Peripheral Trigger Site Deactivation Surgery for the Treatment of Refractory Migraine Headaches.

BACKGROUND: Chronic migraines affect approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population and cost an estimated $17 billion per year. OnabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin type A) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prophylactic medication for chronic migraine headaches and is best injected in a targeted fashion into specific trigger sites. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of long-term, targeted botulinum toxin type A versus peripheral trigger site deactivation surgery for the treatment of migraine headaches. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to examine long-term, targeted botulinum toxin type A versus peripheral trigger site deactivation surgery. Costs, utilities, and other model inputs were identified from the literature. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio under $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year was considered cost-effective. RESULTS: The mean cost of peripheral trigger site deactivation surgery was $10,303, with an effectiveness of 7.06; whereas the mean cost of long-term, targeted botulinum toxin type A was $36,071, with an effectiveness of 6.34. Trigger-site deactivation surgery is more effective and less costly over the time horizon of the model. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that surgery is the most cost-effective treatment in patients requiring treatment for greater than 6.75 years. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this model, peripheral trigger site deactivation surgery is the more cost-effective option for treating refractory migraine headaches requiring treatment beyond 6.75 years. The model reveals that peripheral trigger-site deactivation surgery is more effective and less costly than long-term, targeted botulinum toxin type A over the course of a patient's lifetime.

ASGE guideline on the management of achalasia.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology characterized by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which results in impaired relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), along with the loss of organized peristalsis in the esophageal body. The criterion standard for diagnosing achalasia is high-resolution esophageal manometry showing incomplete relaxation of the EGJ coupled with the absence of organized peristalsis. Three achalasia subtypes have been defined based on high-resolution manometry findings in the esophageal body. Treatment of patients with achalasia has evolved in recent years with the introduction of peroral endoscopic myotomy. Other treatment options include botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy. This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Standards of Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of achalasia, based on an updated assessment of the individual and comparative effectiveness, adverse effects, and cost of the 4 aforementioned achalasia therapies.

A summary of the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Voice Disorders, 2018 in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a summary of the first version of the Clinical Practice Guideline of Voice Disorders for Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in Japan by the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee of the Japan Society of Logopedics and Phoniatrics and The Japan Laryngological Association. The 2018 recommendations, based on a review of the scientific literature, are intended to serve as clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of voice disorders in Japan. METHODS: A summary of the original version of the Clinical Practice Guideline of Voice Disorders for Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in Japan was described. Recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of voice disorders were prepared. Twelve clinical questions (CQs) regarding the diagnosis, management, treatment, and effectiveness of therapy for voice disorders were also prepared. RESULTS: A summary of the first version of the clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and therapy of voice disorders was prepared and is presented. Additionally, answers to the 12 CQs on the diagnosis, management, treatment, and effectiveness of voice disorder therapy were prepared, and include evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSION: These guidelines present a summary of the standard approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders and relevant CQs that consider the medical environments in Japan. We hope that the guidelines will assist physicians in clinical settings for patients with voice disorders.

Treatment of essential tremor: current status.

Essential tremor is the most common cause of tremor involving upper limbs, head and voice. The first line of treatment for limb tremor is pharmacotherapy with propranolol or primidone. However, these two drugs reduce the tremor severity by only half. In medication refractory and functionally disabling tremor, alternative forms of therapy need to be considered. Botulinum toxin injections are likely efficacious for limb, voice and head tremor but are associated with side effects. Surgical interventions include deep brain stimulation; magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound and thalamotomy for unilateral and deep brain stimulation for bilateral procedures. Recent consensus classification for essential tremor has included a new subgroup, 'Essential tremor plus', who have associated subtle neurological 'soft signs', such as dystonic posturing of limbs and may require a different treatment approach. In this review, we have addressed the current management of essential tremor with regard to different anatomical locations of tremor as well as different modalities of treatment.

Achalasia: treatment, current status and future advances.

Achalasia was first described in the 17th century and its treatment continues to be challenging. Palliative treatment involves disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can be accomplished mechanically (balloon dilation or surgical myotomy) or chemically (Botox). True surgical treatment originated some 100 years ago and remained largely unchanged until the advent of thoracoscopic and then laparoscopic myotomy beginning in the 1980s. Because these procedures provided relatively definitive treatment and were well tolerated by patients, minimal invasive surgery assumed a primary role in the treatment algorithms for achalasia. In 2008, an endoscopic (incision-less) myotomy approach, per-oral endoscopic myotomy, was described. This even less invasive approach has rapidly been adopted in the majority of high-volume achalasia centers. Newer interventions, such as stenting and cell transplant, are under active investigation.

A Functional Approach to Posttraumatic Salivary Fistula Treatment: The Use of Botulinum Toxin.

This manuscript highlights key aspects regarding the practical use of botulinum toxin for the conservative nonsurgical treatment of a rarely encountered, but significant posttraumatic complication-the parotid salivary fistula. It adds information to the scarce existing literature on the subject. The authors outline the main differences between postoperative and trauma-related parotid injury regarding salivary fistula treatment. A total of 6 patients with trauma-related salivary fistulas have been treated by Abobotulinum toxin A injections over the course of 5 years. The technique is detailed, describing the doses used in the presence of parenchyma and duct injuries, the location and number of injection points in relation to the wound pattern. The results were favorable, leading to the healing of the salivary fistulas in all patients, with 1 injection session, without additional conservative treatment. In our experience, the use of botulinum toxin is of great benefit for treating salivary fistulas in a traumatic context.

The toxic edge-A novel treatment for refractory erythema and flushing of rosacea.

PURPOSE: Rosacea is a common, chronic facial skin disease that affects the quality of life. Treatment of facial erythema with intradermal botulinum toxin injection has previously been reported. The primary objective of the study was the safety and efficacy of thermal decomposition of the stratum corneum using a novel non-laser thermomechanical system (Tixel, Novoxel, Israel) to increase skin permeability for Botulinum toxin in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea. METHODS: A retrospective review of16 patients aged 23-45 years with Fitzpatrick Skin Types II to IV and facial erythematotelangiectatic rosacea treated by Tixel followed by topical application of 100 U of abobotulinumtoxin. A standardized high-definition digital camera photographed the patients at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Objective and subjective assessments of the patients were done via Mexameter, the Clinicians Erythema Assessment (CEA), and Patients self-assessment (PSA) scores and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) validated instrument. RESULTS: The average Maxameter, CEA, and PSA scores at 1, 3, and 6 months were significantly improved compared with baseline (all had a P-value <0.001). DLQI scores significantly improved with an average score of 18.6 at baseline at 6 months after treatment (P < 0.001). Self-rated patient satisfaction was high. There were no motor function side-effects or drooping. CONCLUSION: Thermal breakage of the stratum corneum using the device to increase skin permeability for botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea seems both effective and safe. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Botulinum toxin A (BT-A) versus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in chronic migraine treatment: a comparison / Toxina botulínica A (BT-A) versus laser terapia de baixa potência (LLLT) em enxaqueca crônica: Uma triagem comparativa

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate patients with chronic migraine treated with botulinum toxin A (BT-A) and compare this with low level laser therapy (LLLT), referencing: pain days, pain intensity, intake of drugs/self-medication, anxiety and sleep disorders. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups: BT-A group (n = 18) and LLLT group (n = 18). Each patient kept three pain diaries: one before (baseline) (30 days), one during treatment (30 days) and one after the post-treatment phase (30 days). Repeated ANOVA plus the Bonferroni post-test, Student's t test, and factorial analysis were applied, and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: Our data showed that both treatments were able to reduce headache days, acute medication intake and decrease the intensity of pain. Anxiety was reduced in the BT-A group, while sleep disturbance was reduced in the LLLT group. Conclusion: Our data showed that both treatments can be used to treat chronic migraine, without notable differences between them.

RESUMO O estudo comparou pacientes com cefaleia crônica (CM) tratados com toxina botulínica A (BT-A) versus terapia a laser de baixa intensidade (LLLT), relativos a: dias de dor, automedicação, nervosismo e distúrbios do sono. Métodos: Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos: Grupo BT-A (n = 18) e Grupo LLLT (n = 18). Cada paciente preencheu três diários de dor, sendo um antes do início do tratamento (30 dias), durante o tratamento (30 dias) e um após tratamento (30 dias). ANOVA e pós-teste Bonferroni, teste T de Student e análise fatorial foram utilizados e valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Ambos os tratamentos foram capazes de reduzir os dias de dor e a ingestão aguda de medicação. Além disso, a ansiedade foi reduzida no grupo BT-A, enquanto que o distúrbio do sono foi reduzido no grupo LLLT. Conclusão: Nossos resultados mostraram que ambos os tratamentos são eficientes contra CM, sem diferença entre eles.

Efficacy, Safety, and Subject Satisfaction After AbobotulinumtoxinA Treatment of Upper Facial Lines.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxins are the treatment of choice for wrinkles in the upper third of the face. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and subject satisfaction of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) for treatment of upper facial lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects aged 35 to 50 years with moderate-to-severe upper facial lines were included in this study. Subjects received a maximum of 125 s.U. ABO in at least 2 indications with optional touch-up after 2 weeks. Assessments included wrinkle severity, global aesthetic improvement, subject satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs) 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: At Month 1, 100, 94, and 93% of subjects were responders in dynamic glabellar, lateral canthal, and forehead lines, respectively. All subjects were improved 1 month after treatment, and the majority of the subjects were still improved after 6 months. After treatment, most subjects were satisfied with the appearance of their face, felt better about themselves, and agreed that the treatment made them look the way they feel. Seven subjects (22%) had 8 ABO-related AEs (mild-moderate); headache was most commonly reported (9%). CONCLUSION: AbobotulinumtoxinA effectively treated upper facial lines, with high patient satisfaction. Treatment was generally well-tolerated.

Complications of Botox and their Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adherence to anticholinergic medications is known to be a problem in patients with overactive bladder, with only 13.2% of patients continuing anticholinergic therapy beyond 1 year D'Souza et al. (J Manag Care Pharm. 14:291-301, 2008). RECENT FINDINGS: Prior to the advent of third line therapies such as onabotulinumtoxin A, refractory overactive bladder (OAB) was managed with augmentation cystoplasty, a lengthy surgery with associated side effects including lifetime need for self-catheterization, ileus, and metabolic disturbances. The advent of onabotulinumtoxin A has drastically reduced the rates of augmentation cystoplasties being performed for refractory OAB. However, all procedures are associated with side effects which should be relayed to the patient prior to beginning therapy, as well as their management. In the current review, we summarize the common complications following onabotulinumtoxin A injection as well as their management.