Evidence-based review of patient-reported outcomes with botulinum toxin type A

Abstract

This review systematically examines the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on patient-reported outcomes across disorders using evidence-based criteria. The evidence provided by these studies ranged from randomized, controlled trials to case series. The effects of BTX-A on quality of life or global treatment outcomes were assessed in 48 studies across 16 different conditions. All but 7 of these reported benefits of BTX-A over baseline or the comparator condition (placebo or other treatment). The effects of BTX-A on impairment, activities, or participation were assessed in 46 studies across 17 different conditions. All but 4 reported benefits of BTX-A over baseline or the comparison group. The effects of BTX-A on satisfaction or preference were assessed in 14 studies across 11 different conditions, all of which reported high rates of satisfaction with BTX-A or preference over the comparator. These studies provide evidence that BTX-A exerts meaningful benefits on the quality of life of patients treated with this biologic agent.