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Journal of Neurology

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Open Access 01-03-2021 | Torticollis Spasticus | Original Communication

Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia

Authors: Cynthia Comella, Joaquim J. Ferreira, Emilie Pain, Marion Azoulai, Savary Om

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Background

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) is an effective pharmacological treatment for the management of cervical dystonia (CD) that requires repeated administration at variable intervals. We explored patient perceptions of the impact of CD and the waning of BoNT-A therapeutic effects.

Methods

An internet-based survey was conducted through Carenity, a global online patient community, from May to September 2019. Eligible respondents were adults with CD who had ≥ 2 previous BoNT-A injections.

Results

209 respondents (81% females; mean age of 49.7 years) met the screening criteria. The mean BoNT-A injection frequency was 3.9 injections/year. The mean reported onset of BoNT-A therapeutic effect was 11.7 days and the time to peak effect was 4.5 weeks. Symptom re-emergence between injections was common (88%); the time from injection to symptom re-emergence was 73.6 days (~ 10.5 weeks). Treatment was not reported to completely abolish symptoms, even at peak effect. However, symptom severity was rated (0 = no symptoms; 10 = very strong symptoms) as lowest at the peak of treatment effects (mean scores ~ 3/10), increasing as the effects of treatment start waning (~ 5.5/10) and was strongest one day before the next session (~ 7–8/10). The impact of CD on quality of life followed the same ‘rollercoaster’ pattern.

Conclusions

This survey highlights the burden of CD symptoms, even in patients undergoing regular treatment. Symptom re-emergence is common and has significant impact on daily activities and quality of life. Greater awareness of the therapeutic profile of BoNT-A treatment should lead to better informed therapeutic discussions and planning.

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Title: Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia
Authors: Cynthia Comella
Joaquim J. Ferreira
Emilie Pain
Marion Azoulai
Savary Om
Publication date: 01-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Torticollis Spasticus
Botulinum Toxin
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10217-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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