What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed medical records of patients who developed botulism from cosmetic injections at a single center over a 10-year period to understand the outbreak, patient characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
What They Found
Over a decade, 161 cases of cosmetic iatrogenic botulism were identified, with 49.69% of patients requiring hospitalization. Most patients received botulinum toxin from unlicensed practitioners in nonmedical settings, and 60% of cases were classified as severe or moderate. Symptoms resolved within a mean of 24.85 days, and treatments included antitoxin administration, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and supportive care.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study is a retrospective case series from a single center, which means its findings may not apply to all populations or settings.