The use of botulinum toxin A in perioral rejuvenation

Botulinum toxin A is an effective and safe treatment for perioral rejuvenation. This article explores the application of this toxin for cosmetic use in the perioral region, facial asymmetry, and improved facial wound healing. This article also describes how the use of botulinum toxin A, which has traditionally been used on the upper one third of the face, has expanded to the lower two thirds with the advent of a new formulation that consists of botulinum toxin combined with an anesthetic agent and a vasoconstrictor. The new formula provides the injecting physician with immediate feedback on the eventual treatment effect and reduces local diffusion of the simultaneously injected agents, potentially limiting systemic absorption and diffusion to neighboring muscle groups and adding to an already remarkable safety profile.     

The use of botulinum toxin in benign prostatic hyperplasia

The injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) into the prostate is a minimally invasive alternative treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms. To summarize the action mechanisms of BoNT/A on experimental animals and to analyze its effectiveness according to published clinical studies, we located 24 papers on the treatment of HBP with BoNT/A. The doses applied ranged from 100 (OnabotA) to 600 U (OnabotA and AbobotA). The IPSS score presented a mean post-treatment reduction, for all series, of 10.8 + 2.66 points. Other significant results included the overall mean reduction in QoL score of 2.1 ± 0.62 points, and the pre and post-treatment differences in prostate volume (22.43 ± 20.2 cm(3)), post-voiding residue (76.77 + 51.72 cm(3)) and PSA (1.15 + 0.93 ng/ml). However, only two clinical trials were on sufficient quality to be selected for meta-analysis, and it was observed that the difference of the means, pre- and post-treatment of maximum flow, prostate volume, IPSS and PSA were not statistically significant (P = 0.18). Neither was there any statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatment post-voiding residue (P = 0.65). In conclusion, BoNT/A alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms due to HBP, but different studies present considerable variations regarding the dose administered, inclusion criteria and follow-up time, as well as poorly defined retreatment, losses to follow up and, above all, a high degree of variability in the communication of results (with large standard deviations). In consequence, further clinical trials are needed.     

The role of diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic abdominal conditions: an evidence-based review

Background  Diagnostic laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery for the diagnosis of intraabdominal diseases. The aim of this review is a critical examination of the available literature on the role of laparoscopy for chronic intraabdominal conditions. Methods  A systematic literature search of English-language articles on MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects was performed for the period 1995–2006. The level of evidence in the identified articles was graded. The search identified and reviewed six main categories that have received attention in the literature: pelvic pain and endometriosis, primary and secondary infertility, nonpalpable testis, and liver disease. Results  The indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, and its associated morbidity are discussed. Conclusions  The limitations of the available literature are highlighted, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of laparoscopy to stage intraabdominal cancers are provided.     

The role of diagnostic laparoscopy for acute abdominal conditions: an evidence-based review

Diagnostic laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery for the diagnosis of intraabdominal diseases. This study aim was a critical examination of the available literature on the role of laparoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of acute intraabdominal conditions. A systematic literature search of English-language articles on MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects was performed for the period 1995-2006. The level of evidence in the identified articles was graded. This review examines the role of diagnostic laparoscopy for acute nonspecific abdominal pain, trauma, and the acute abdomen experienced by the critically ill patient. The indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, and associated morbidity are discussed. The limitations of the available literature are highlighted, and evidence-based recommendations for the use of diagnostic laparoscopy to determine acute intraabdominal conditions are provided.     

The use of botulinum toxin in head and face medicine: An interdisciplinary field

Background

Different types of bioabsorbable and nonresorbable membranes have been widely used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with its ultimate goal of regenerating lost periodontal structures. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the biological effects of various bioabsorbable and nonresorbable membranes in cultures of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) and human osteoblast-like (HOB) cells in vitro.

Methods

Three commercially available collagen membranes [TutoDent^® (TD), Resodont^® (RD) and BioGide^® (BG)] as well as three nonresorbable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes [ACE (AC), Cytoplast^® (CT) and TefGen-FD^® (TG)] were tested. Cells plated on culture dishes (CD) served as positive controls. The effect of the barrier membranes on HGF, PDLF as well as HOB cells was assessed by the Alamar Blue fluorometric proliferation assay after 1, 2.5, 4, 24 and 48 h time periods. The structural and morphological properties of the membranes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

The results showed that of the six barriers tested, TD and RD demonstrated the highest rate of HGF proliferation at both earlier (1 h) and later (48 h) time periods (P < 0.001) compared to all other tested barriers and CD. Similarly, TD, RD and BG had significantly higher numbers of cells at all time periods when compared with the positive control in PDLF culture (P ≤ 0.001). In HOB cell culture, the highest rate of cell proliferation was also calculated for TD at all time periods (P < 0.001). SEM observations demonstrated a microporous structure of all collagen membranes, with a compact top surface and a porous bottom surface, whereas the nonresorbable PTFE membranes demonstrated a homogenous structure with a symmetric dense skin layer.

Conclusion

Results from the present study suggested that GTR membrane materials, per se, may influence cell proliferation in the process of periodontal tissue/bone regeneration. Among the six membranes examined, the bioabsorbable membranes demonstrated to be more suitable to stimulate cellular proliferation compared to nonresorbable PTFE membranes.     

Facial rejuvenation using botulinum toxin A: review and updates

The aesthetic applications of botulinum toxin A (Botox) are well known to certain medical and nonmedical communities. This nonsurgical rejuvenation modality continues to be in high demand in part because of the immediacy of its effects, its high safety profile, and its no-downtime recovery period. The physician interested in using Botox for facial rejuvenation needs to have a working knowledge of facial anatomy and botulinum toxin pharmacology and clinical experience with Botox injections.     

The use of botulinum toxin in the management of burns itching: Preliminary results

Itching is a common and well recognised problem following burns. As the underlying pathways involved in burns itch have been identified, different pharmacological agents have been introduced to improve the effectiveness of management regimes. We present preliminary data from an on-going study in the use of botulinum toxin as a novel agent in the treatment of this problem.     

Complications of botulinum toxin A use in facial rejuvenation

The esthetic application of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is a safe treatment modality; nevertheless complications can occur as a result of patient-and physician-related factors. Fortunately, adverse effects and undesirable sequelae after Botox injections are temporary. Complications may be more serious in patients who have more severe rhytids (which require more Botox), previous facial plastic surgery (altered anatomy), and those who have pre-existing neuromuscular disease. The physician can reduce complications by using proper injection techniques, appropriate regional Botox dosing, and by being conservative in the overall approach to Botox-mediated facial rejuvenation.     

Complications of botulinum toxin A use in facial rejuvenation

The esthetic application of botulinum toxin type A is a safe treatment modality; nevertheless, complications can occur as a result of patient- and physician-related factors. Fortunately, adverse effects and undesirable sequelae after Botox injections are temporary. Complications may be more serious in patients who have more severe rhytids (which require more Botox), have undergone previous facial plastic surgery (altered anatomy), and those who have preexisting neuromuscular disease. The physician can reduce complications by using proper injection techniques, appropriate regional Botox dosing, and by being conservative in the overall approach to Botox-mediated facial rejuvenation.     

The basic science of botulinum toxin

Understanding the basic science of botulinum toxin should serve as a fundamental first step for clinical therapy. This article endeavors to cover many aspects of basic research that also have clinical import. The two principal toxins of the clostridial family, Clostridium tetani and C botulinum, are described in detail. The five clinical manifestations of botulism poisoning are also outlined, and structural aspects and the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin are then presented. Finally, the immunologic and pharmacologic principles that define the various serotypes of botulinum toxin are set forth.     

Botulinum toxin in urology: evaluation using an evidence-based medicine approach

Clinical reports documenting the beneficial effects of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat various lower urinary tract disorders of muscle spasticity (e.g. detrusor hyperreflexia, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia) have led to its expanded application in non-neurogenic conditions such as idiopathic detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As greater numbers of investigators report their results utilizing this agent, it becomes more important that clinicians are able to synthesize and describe the findings of current clinical studies in a meaningful way. Evidence-based medicine is a platform on which investigations concerning a particular topic can be evaluated for their levels of scientific evidence, so that rational clinical recommendations can be formulated. This review article applies evidence-based practices to the use of BTX in common urologic conditions. Appreciating the benefits as well as limitations of currently available studies will hopefully drive the development of well-controlled, randomized studies of BTX, particularly in highly prevalent conditions such as idiopathic detrusor overactivity and BPH.     

颈浅动脉岛状皮瓣在修复颌面颈部烧伤瘢痕中的应用

目的　探讨颈浅动脉岛状皮瓣的切取方法,观察用其修复颌面颈部瘢痕的临床效果。方法　解剖观测10例成年人体标本的颈浅动脉起源、走行、分支和分布,将颈浅动脉分为斜方肌肌前段、肌内段和肌后段3段。14例颌面颈部瘢痕挛缩患者行瘢痕切除后应用颈浅动脉岛状皮瓣修复,观察术后皮瓣成活及患者颈部活动恢复等情况。　结果　颈浅动脉肌前段长度为(5. 1±0. 4)cm,肌内段为(2. 1±0. 5)cm,肌后段为(4. 7±0. 7)cm.内侧肌皮穿支位于第7颈椎旁开(7. 3±0. 6)cm、肩胛冈上(3. 9±0. 7)cm处。本组患者修复皮瓣大小为(16. 0cm×7. 0cm)~(35. 0cm×12. 0cm),除1例皮瓣远端有约3. 0cm×1. 5cm的坏死外, 13例患者皮瓣完全成活。随访4个月—3年,效果满意。　结论　颈浅动脉岛状皮瓣切取方法简便,不需要行断蒂手术,是修复颌面颈部瘢痕挛缩畸形的较好选择。     

Current uses of botulinum toxin A as an adjunct to hand therapy interventions of hand conditions

Study designLiterature review.DiscussionBotulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin causing temporary muscle paralysis at the neuromuscular junction, has been used to treat multiple acquired conditions of the hand and upper extremity. Initially approved for use in treating blepharospasm and strabismus in the 1980s, indications have expanded to include spasticity associated with cerebrovascular accidents, vasospastic disorders, focal dystonias, and pain conditions. This article reviews the current literature discussing the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in management of disorders of the hand and upper extremity relevant to hand therapists.Level of evidenceNA.