ABSTRACT

To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with blepharospasm who were treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox^®) and AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport^®).

A total of 100 eyes of 78 patients who were diagnosed with blepharospasm were evaluated during a retrospective, randomized, parallel group study. The severity of spasm, eyelid closing force, and functional visual status scores were used as quantitative measures of the change in clinical status. Side effects (ptosis, dry eye, ocular foreign body sensation, headache, eyelid edema, pain, and ocular irritation) were collected using a systematic questionnaire.

Both Botox^® and Dysport^® groups produced similar clinical efficacy and tolerability. Success rates at 4 weeks post-injection were 91.8% in the Botox^® group and 90.1% in the Dysport^® group. With respect to success rates, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups. In the Botox^® group, 2 years of follow-up was completed in 41 eyes. Success was achieved in 36 eyes (87.8%). In the Dysport^® group, 2 years of follow-up was completed in 44 eyes. Success was achieved in 38 eyes (86.4%). The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were no clinically relevant differences between Botox^® and Dysport^® groups with regard to safety parameters. Both Botox^® and Dysport^® were effective and safe in treating blepharospasm.

This study suggests that both Botox^® and Dysport^® do not differ from each other in terms of potency and adverse reaction profile. (JAREM 2016; 6: 110-4)

Keywords: AbobotulinumtoxinA, botox, essential blepharospasm, dysport