OnabotulinumtoxinA improves oral aperture in patients with scleroderma: A small clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Reduced oral aperture (ROA), resulting from systemic sclerosis (SSc), is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. Improvement in oral function has been reported with perioral administration of botulinum toxin type A.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) injection in improving oral opening and quality of life in SSc patients with ROA.

METHODS

Seventeen women with SSc and ROA were treated with 16 units of onabotA in 8 different sites around the cutaneous lips. Measurements of maximum mouth opening were taken before treatment, at 2 weeks posttreatment, and at 3 months posttreatment. Function and quality of life were also assessed via surveys.

RESULTS

Interincisor and interlabial distances were significantly increased 2 weeks after treatment with onabotA (P < .001) but not 3 months after. Subjective improvement in quality of life was noted.

LIMITATIONS: This single-institution study enrolled 17 patients and did not have a placebo control group.

CONCLUSION

OnabotA appears to have a strong short-term symptomatic benefit in patients with ROA due to SSc, with possible benefit to quality of life.