Botulinum Toxin in the Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Raynaud’s Phenomenon

J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Sep 1;18(9):943-945.

Abstract

Raynaud’s phenomenon is an exaggerated physiological response of blood vessels in the distal extremities to emotional stress and cold. It can be idiopathic or secondary to a connective tissue disorder, such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon consists primarily of lifestyle modifications; if unsuccessful, pharmacotherapy with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can be added. Botulinum toxin (BTX-A) is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum spores. While most widely known for its cosmetic use, BTX-A has many therapeutic utilities due to its ability to inhibit multiple neurotransmitters. In this report, we present a patient with Raynaud’s phenomenon refractory to standard therapies whose symptoms resolved after treatment with BTX-A. Follow-up with the patient after one and five years showed no relapse or recurrence of symptoms. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(9):943-945.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Necrosis / drug therapy
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Neurotoxins / administration & dosage*
  • Raynaud Disease / complications
  • Raynaud Disease / drug therapy*
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A