Title: Editorial: Botulinum intoxication – a case for systematic studies of patient recovery

Authors: Michael Adler

Addresses: Neurobehavioral Toxicology Branch, Analytical Toxicology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, 3100 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5400, USA

Abstract: Since its approval in 1989 by the US FDA, Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) has become the drug of choice for an increasing number of neurological and autonomic indications. Used in this controlled manner, BoNT has an exemplary record of safety and efficacy. Exposure to much higher doses of BoNT from contaminated food, penetrating wounds or aerosolised toxin leads to botulism. This editorial calls for systematic long-term clinical and psychological studies to be carried out not only to provide better care for the victims of natural BoNT outbreaks but also to improve our ability to deal with mass casualty situations.

Keywords: botulinum neurotoxins; BoNT; botulism; long-term studies; mass casualties; recovery process; aerosol attack; food contamination; milk contamination; patient recovery.

DOI: 10.1504/TBJ.2008.026480

The Botulinum Journal, 2008 Vol.1 No.2, pp.167 - 169

Published online: 16 Jun 2009 *

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