Duane Retraction Syndrome: The Role of Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Adults and Its Impact on Quality of Life in an Indian Population.

[PURPOSE] To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of adults with Duane retraction syndrome and its impact on quality of life.

[METHODS] A total of 25 adults with unilateral Duane retraction syndrome were selected for this interventional case series. Botulinum toxin was injected in the appropriate horizontal recti. The parameters assessed were ocular deviation (▵), overshoots, and abnormal head posture. Patients were followed up at 1 day, 10 days, and 3 months after the injection. The outcome was categorized on the basis of deviation/abnormal head posture/overshoots as: (1) significant improvement (< 8 prism diopters [PD]/< 5 degrees/≤ grade 1); (2) partial improvement (8 to 20 PD/5 to 15 degrees/≤ grade 2); and (3) no improvement (> 20 PD/> 15 degrees/≥ grade 3). Patients with partial/significant improvement were considered to have a favorable outcome. The impact on quality of life was assessed using the Adult Strabismus-20 Questionnaire scores 10 days after injection.

[RESULTS] There was a significant reduction in ocular deviation in esotropic and exotropic Duane retraction syndrome at 10 days ( = .001) and 3 months ( = .04) after botulinum toxin injection. The abnormal head posture improved from 11.58 ± 7.43 to 7.86 ± 6.25 degrees at 10 days. Botulinum toxin had a positive impact on the Adult Strabismus-20 Questionnaire scores, which significantly improved ( < .05) at 10 days. A favorable outcome was noted in 21 patients at 10 days but only 4 patients at 3 months. Three patients developed ptosis and 1 patient with orthotropic Duane retraction syndrome developed transient exotropia.

[CONCLUSIONS] In adults with Duane retraction syndrome, botulinum toxin can have a useful diagnostic role by providing insight to patients and setting realistic expectations. It can identify patients likely to benefit from further treatment and also has a positive impact on quality of life. .