OnabotulinumtoxinA efficacious short term treatment for microstomia in scleroderma

Reduced oral aperture (ROA), resulting from systemic sclerosis (SSc), is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. Improvement in oral function has been reported with perioral administration of botulinum toxin type A.

A study was done to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) injection in improving oral opening and quality of life in SSc patients with ROA.

Seventeen women with SSc and ROA were treated with 16 units of onabotA in 8 different sites around the cutaneous lips. Measurements of maximum mouth opening were taken before treatment, at 2 weeks posttreatment, and at 3 months posttreatment. Function and quality of life were also assessed via surveys.

Results

Interincisor and interlabial distances were significantly increased 2 weeks after treatment with onabotA (P < .001) but not 3 months after. Subjective improvement in quality of life was noted. This single-institution study enrolled 17 patients and did not have a placebo control group.

OnabotA appears to have a strong short-term symptomatic benefit in patients with ROA due to SSc, with possible benefit to quality of life.Botulinum toxin type A is another promising alternative therapy for ROA in SSc. Botulinum toxin type A is a group of neurotoxins that function as paralytics by preventing the release of acetylcholine to inhibit muscle contracture.

Reference:

Cristian D. Gonzalez, Jarod John Pamatmat, MDKevin M. Burningham, Michelle Yang, Heather W. Goff. OnabotulinumtoxinA improves oral aperture in patients with scleroderma: A small clinical trial. Open Access. Published:June 08, 2023DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.069

Keywords:

OnabotulinumtoxinA, efficacious, short term, treatment, microstomia, scleroderma,Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, diffuse scleroderma, limited mouth opening

Microstomia, neuromodulator, onabotulinumtoxinA, reduced oral aperture, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, Cristian D. Gonzalez, Jarod John Pamatmat, MDKevin M. Burningham, Michelle Yang, Heather W. Goff