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Controversy: Botulinum toxin in pregnancy Paul M - J Cutan Aesthet Surg Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (JCAS): Free full text articles from J Cutan Aesthet Surg
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COMMENTARY Table of Contents   
Year : 2009  |  Volume : 2  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 4-5
Controversy: Botulinum toxin in pregnancy


Skin Laser Centre, New Delhi, India

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Date of Web Publication 1-Jul-2009
 

   Abstract  

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), a purified protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum , has been widely used in aesthetic dermatology. Though BTX-A was initially used by neurologists extensively for neurological conditions such as blepharospasm, strabismus headaches, dystonia and spasticity, it has become popular among dermatologists and plastic surgeons for its cosmetic indications. Its use in pregnancy has been controversial and this article deals with the issues of use of BTX-A in pregnancy.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin, pregnancy, safety

How to cite this article:
Paul M. Controversy: Botulinum toxin in pregnancy. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2009;2:4-5

How to cite this URL:
Paul M. Controversy: Botulinum toxin in pregnancy. J Cutan Aesthet Surg [serial online] 2009 [cited 2014 Mar 10];2:4-5. Available from: http://www.jcasonline.com/text.asp?2009/2/1/4/53091



   Introduction   Top


Botulinum toxin - a bacterial extract made of botulinum toxin Type A (BTX-A), a purified protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum , has been widely used in aesthetic dermatology. Though BTX-A was initially used by neurologists extensively for neurological conditions such as blepharospasm, strabismus headaches, dystonia, spasticity, it has become a preferred drug and has been used widely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for its cosmetic indications.

However, concerns remain about its safety in pregnancy. Considering the widespread use of BTX-A, it is possible that it may be injected unknowingly in pregnant women, especially in the early first trimester when women might not be aware of the pregnancy. Animal studies in mice, rats, rabbits have shown reductions in fetal body weights, delayed ossification, abortions, and/or fetal malformations. [1] There are only a few reports dealing with the issue of safety of BTX-A in human pregnancy.

Available evidence on the safe use of BTX-A in pregnancy

Newman et al . [2] reported the first report of clinical BTX-A treatment during pregnancy. They reported four full-term uncomplicated pregnancies in a patient who received BTX-A treatment during pregnancy for severe cervical dystonia. The patient was injected in each pregnancy in doses ranging from 600-1200 per pregnancy, without any effect on the pregnancy outcome.

Morgan et al . [3] surveyed physicians who frequently used BTX-A, for pregnancy outcomes in any of their patients who might, knowingly or unknowingly have been injected with the drug. Twelve physicians reported injecting BTX-A in pregnant women. Sixteen pregnant women had been injected, mostly in the first trimester, and only one patient, who had had history of prior spontaneous abortions, suffered a miscarriage. Another woman had a therapeutic abortion. All other pregnancies went to term and there were no fetal malformations.

De Oliveira Monteiro [4] reported two women who were injected in the early first trimester but had uneventful pregnancies with no untoward effects in the fetus.


   Conclusion   Top


Even though these reports indicate that BTX-A may be safe in pregnancy, the reports are few and consist of only a small number of patients. There are no controlled trial data and it is doubtful whether there can ever be such studies conducted to resolve this issue. Administering such a drug for a cosmetic indication is fraught with legal risk. It would therefore be prudent on the part of the treating physician to consider pregnancy as an absolute contraindication for cosmetic BTX-A treatment.

 
   References   Top

1. Botox Prescribing Information, Allergan Inc.; 2004.   Back to cited text no. 1    
2. Newman WJ, Davis TL, Padaliya BB, Covington CD, Gill CE, Abramovitch AI, et al . Botulinum toxin type A therapy during pregnancy. Mov Disord 2004;19:1384-5.  Back to cited text no. 2  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]
3. Morgan JC, Iyer SS, Moser ET, Singer C, Sethi KD. Botulinum toxin A during pregnancy: A survey of treating physicians. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2006;77:117-9.  Back to cited text no. 3  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]
4. de Oliveira Monteiro E. Botulinum toxin and pregnancy. Skinmed 2006;5:308.  Back to cited text no. 4  [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]

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Correspondence Address:
Munish Paul
235, Avtar Enclave, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi - 110 063
India
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DOI: 10.4103/0974-2077.53091

PMID: 20300363

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This article has been cited by
1 Can I treat this pregnant patient with botulinum toxin?
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Practical Neurology. 2014; 14(1): 32
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    Abstract
    Introduction
    Conclusion
    References

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