[Usefulness of botulinum toxin in gastrointestinal disorders]

Rev Gastroenterol Mex. 2002 Apr-Jun;67(2):126-33.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Botulinum toxin (Botox) produced by Clostridium botulinum is a potent neuromuscular blocker agent that inhibits acetylcholine release from presynaptic nerve endings. This effect was confirmed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract and led to clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Botox for treatment of several gastrointestinal disorders. Multiple controlled studies have shown that Botox is effective in short-term management of achalasia. Botox reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, improves esophageal clearance, and alleviates symptoms in up to 70% of patients; however, its long-term efficacy decreases to 30% and repeated injections are often necessary. Botox is reserved for older patients and with high surgical risk. The main predictors of a good response are older age and presence of vigorous achalasia. Biliary or pancreatic sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) has been another indication for Botox administration. Transendoscopic injection of Botox in the papilla of Vater has shown relief of symptoms in more than 50% of cases of SOD. Furthermore, a Botox clinical response in this condition can predict a long-term benefit with endoscopic sphincterotomy. Botox decreases resting anal pressure, has healing rates of approximately 80% at six months after injection in patients with chronic anal fissure, and has a better outcome than topic nitroglycerine. Case reports have shown good results with Botox administration in treatment of diffuse esophageal spasm, anismus, oropharyngeal dysphagia, anterior rectocele, and secondary achalasia. Administration of botulinum toxin has a low rate of adverse reactions and complications.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Algorithms
  • Anus Diseases / therapy
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Chagas Disease / therapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Common Bile Duct Diseases / therapy
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Esophageal Achalasia / therapy
  • Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse / therapy
  • Fissure in Ano / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Manometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuromuscular Agents / adverse effects
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pancreatitis / therapy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sphincter of Oddi
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A