Date of Award
1-1-2022
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine, “Is Botulinum Toxin Effective at Reducing Sensory Symptoms in the Hands of Patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon?”
Study Design: A systematic review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective case series published between 2017 and 2019.
Data Sources: The articles were discovered using PubMed or Academic Search Premier. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals and selected based on pertinence to the clinical question.
Outcome Measured: A reduction in sensory symptoms was the outcome measured in all three studies using the VAS pain score (0-10/100) or McCabe Cold Sensitivity Score (0-400).
Results: In the prospective case series led by Dhaliwal, VAS pain score decreased after post-Btx-A treatment at 12-weeks, indicated by a mean change from baseline of 2 (p = 0.05). In the RCT led by Bello, McCabe Cold Sensitivity Score decreased 39.6 points in the Btx-A group after 4 months (p = 0.906). Additionally, VAS pain score reduced 1.44 points in the Btx-A group after 4 months (p = 0.327). In the RCT led by Motegi, VAS pain score decreased in the Btx-B group by 12 weeks, indicated by a mean change from baseline of 50% (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Dhaliwal et al. and Motegi et al. provide statistically significant evidence that botulinum toxin reduces sensory symptoms in patients with RP, however, Bello et al. does not support this hypothesis. It cannot be determined whether botulinum toxin improves sensory symptoms in patients with RP.
Recommended Citation
DiCioccio, Maria C., "Is Botulinum Toxin Effective at Reducing Sensory Symptoms in the Hands of Patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon?" (2022). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 641.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/641