Clinical Neuropharmacology

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Clinical Neuropharmacology:
May/June 2008 - Volume 31 - Issue 3 - pp 180-183
doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e31814a62cc
Case Reports

Botulinum Toxin: Treatment of Self-Mutilation in Patients With Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Gutierrez, Cristiam MD; Pellene, Alejandro MD; Micheli, Federico MD, PhD

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Abstract

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder involving purine metabolism caused by the congenital absence of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase. A characteristic feature of LNS is the appearance of intractable self-injurious behavior, usually in the form of severe lip and finger biting. The mechanism behind this severe self-mutilating behavior is unknown, and is one of the main challenges in the management of this condition. We here report the case of a 30-year-old man with a confirmed diagnosis of LNS who was successfully treated for self-mutilation of his lips with repeated botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections in the facial perioral muscles. Our findings suggest that treatment with BTX-A helped reduce self-abusive behavior in this patient. Our case illustrates that BTX-A injections can be a useful therapeutic approach in patients with self-abusive behavior.

© 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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