Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin for the treatment of achalasia
Article Abstract:
Botulinum toxin injected directly into the lower esophagus appears to be an effective treatment for achalasia. Achalasia occurs when the esophageal sphincter between the esophagus and stomach does not relax and allow food to pass into the stomach. Researchers used endoscopic surgery to inject 80 units of botulinum toxin directly into the esophageal sphincter in 11 patients with achalasia. Ten other patients with the disorder received saline injections. They were asked to rate their symptoms before and one week after the injection. The average symptom score before treatment was 5.9 to 7.1 out of a total of 9 points. One week after treatment, the average score in the patients who received botulinum toxin was 1.6, compared to an average score in the placebo group of 5.4. Gastrointestinal tests revealed that the pressure in the esophageal sphincter was lower and the sphincter opened wider in those who received botulinum toxin. The effect of the treatment lasted up to six months.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Treatment of achalasia - from whalebone to botulinum toxin
Article Abstract:
Injecting botulinum toxin directly into the esophageal sphincter may be an effective treatment for achalasia in patients who do not respond to traditional treatments for this disorder. Achalasia occurs when the esophageal sphincter does not relax enough to let food pass into the stomach. In the late 1600's, the condition was treated by passing a whalebone down the patient's esophagus to force open the sphincter. In the 1990's, balloon dilation performs the same function. In 1995, researchers reported that botulinum toxin injected endoscopically into the sphincter was effective in relaxing the sphincter. However, the effect may wear off after several months. In addition, repeated injections of the toxin could cause side effects. And botulinum toxin does not correct the underlying abnormality.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Heartburn -- a serious symptom
Article Abstract:
Heartburn should be taken seriously and aggressively treated. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux. When the esophagus is chronically exposed to stomach acid, Barrett's esophagus can form. This esophageal disease is characterized by changes in the structure of the esophageal mucosa. This in turn can lead to a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased since the 1970s and in the 1990s accounts for half of all cases of esophageal cancer. A 1999 study found that chronic gastroesophageal reflux was strongly linked to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Delaying generic competition - Corporate payoffs and the future of Plavix. Approving the vagus-nerve stimulator for depression
- Abstracts: Options increase in mental health. The role of lithium clinics in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Early perceptions of the role of community matrons
- Abstracts: Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Widespread statin use recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes
- Abstracts: An evidence-based procedure for the digital removal of faeces. Bowel care: part 3 - obtaining a stool sample
- Abstracts: Experts fear 'get-tough' view of drug treatment may backfire. Help comes in many forms, from many different people