Journal Article

FZJ-2024-06248

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Iatrogenic botulism after intragastric botulinum neurotoxin injections – a major outbreak

Goerttler, T. (Corresponding author) ; Dorner, M. B. ; van der Linden, C. ; Kienitz, R. ; Petrik, S. ; Blechinger, S. ; Spickschen, J. ; Betz, I. R. ; Hinrichs, C. ; Steindl, D. ; Weber, F.FZJ* ; Musacchio, T. ; Wunderlich, G. ; Rueger, M. A. ; Barbe, M. T. ; Dafsari, H. ; Demir, S. ; Lapa, S. ; Zeiner, P. S. ; Strzelczyk, A. ; Tinnemann, P. ; Kleine, C. ; Totzeck, A. ; Klebe, S. ; Mikolajewska, A. ; Dorner, B. G. ; Fertl, E. ; Grefkes-Hermann, C. ; Fink, G.FZJ* ; Kleinschnitz, C. ; Hagenacker, T.

2024
BioMed Central [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1186/s42466-024-00350-3  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2024-06248

Abstract: AbstractBackgroundIntragastric botulinum neurotoxin injections (IBNI) are offered off-label in the private medical sector in a few European countries as a safe and effective weight-loss measure. In February and March 2023, an outbreak of iatrogenic botulism occurred in several European countries following IBNI treatment in Turkey. This case series describes the clinical features of severe iatrogenic botulism after IBNI.MethodsWe retrospectively summarize the clinical course and emergency department and intensive care unit interventions in ten cases of severe iatrogenic botulism that occurred after receiving IBNI in this sudden outbreak in Austria and Germany.ResultsSeven out of ten cases initially showed characteristic symptoms of botulism with diplopia, dysphagia, dysarthria, dysarthrophonia, and descending paralysis. All patients were hospitalized, six in an intensive care unit and partially requiring mechanical ventilation. All patients recovered and were discharged without relevant permanent deficits.ConclusionOur study highlights ten clinical cases in this iatrogenic botulism outbreak, representing the largest reported outbreak worldwide. Clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with medical procedures involving botulinum neurotoxins and ensure measures to minimize the risk of iatrogenic botulism.

Note: Supported by the DFG in the framework of the DFG Clinician Scientist Programme UMEA, FU356/12-2

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DOAJ Seal ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; SCOPUS ; Web of Science Core Collection

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