Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{CMG}}
__NOTOC__
{{Botulism}}
{{Botulism}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}{{SMP}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
If botulism left untreated it may cause respiratory failure and even death. Common complications of botulism include, respiratory failure, difficult swallowing, speech difficulties, fatigue, and death. Botulism's prognosis depends on the amount of the ingested toxins and prompt treatment.


==Natural history==
==Natural History==
The symptoms of foodborne botulism often develop few days after ingestion of toxin produced in food by ''C. botulinum''. The most frequent source is home-canned foods, prepared in an unsafe manner. Wound botulism occurs when ''C. botulinum'' spores germinate within wounds. Infant botulism occurs when ''C. botulinum'' spores germinate and produce toxin in the gastrointestinal tract of infants. If botulism left untreated it may cause respiratory failure and even death.<ref name="pmid17578769">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sobel J, Malavet M, John S |title=Outbreak of clinically mild botulism type E illness from home-salted fish in patients presenting with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=45 |issue=2 |pages=e14–6 |year=2007 |pmid=17578769 |doi=10.1086/518993 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15307002">{{cite journal |vauthors=Varma JK, Katsitadze G, Moiscrafishvili M, Zardiashvili T, Chokheli M, Tarkhashvili N, Jhorjholiani E, Chubinidze M, Kukhalashvili T, Khmaladze I, Chakvetadze N, Imnadze P, Hoekstra M, Sobel J |title=Signs and symptoms predictive of death in patients with foodborne botulism--Republic of Georgia, 1980-2002 |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=357–62 |year=2004 |pmid=15307002 |doi=10.1086/422318 |url=}}</ref>


==Complications==
==Complications==
Botulism can result in death due to [[respiration (physiology)|respiratory]] failure. However, in the past 50 years, the proportion of patients with botulism who die has fallen from about 50% to 8% due to improved supportive care. A patient with severe botulism may require a [[Ventilator|breathing machine]] as well as intensive medical and nursing care for several months. Patients who survive an episode of botulism poisoning may have [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]] and shortness of breath for years and long-term therapy may be needed to aid their recovery.
Infant botulism has no long-term side effects, but can be complicated by [[nosocomial]] adverse events. The [[case fatality]] rate is less than 1% for hospitalized infants with botulism.
Infant botulism has no long-term side effects, but can be complicated by [[nosocomial]] adverse events. The [[case fatality]] rate is less than 1% for hospitalized infants with botulism.


Some specific possible complications are:
Important complications of botulism include:<ref name="pmid16163636">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sobel J |title=Botulism |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=41 |issue=8 |pages=1167–73 |year=2005 |pmid=16163636 |doi=10.1086/444507 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid17578769">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sobel J, Malavet M, John S |title=Outbreak of clinically mild botulism type E illness from home-salted fish in patients presenting with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=45 |issue=2 |pages=e14–6 |year=2007 |pmid=17578769 |doi=10.1086/518993 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15307002">{{cite journal |vauthors=Varma JK, Katsitadze G, Moiscrafishvili M, Zardiashvili T, Chokheli M, Tarkhashvili N, Jhorjholiani E, Chubinidze M, Kukhalashvili T, Khmaladze I, Chakvetadze N, Imnadze P, Hoekstra M, Sobel J |title=Signs and symptoms predictive of death in patients with foodborne botulism--Republic of Georgia, 1980-2002 |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=357–62 |year=2004 |pmid=15307002 |doi=10.1086/422318 |url=}}</ref>
 
* Respiratory muscle weakness and impending respiratory failure
*[[Aspiration pneumonia]] and [[infection]]
*Long-lasting [[weakness]]
*Long-lasting weakness
*Difficult swallowing
*[[Nervous system]] problems for up to 1 year
*Speech difficulties
*[[Respiratory distress]]
*[[Fatigue]]
*[[Death]] from botulism mainly occurs from a few reasons:
**[[Respiratory failure]], possibly due to a delayed [[diagnosis]].
**Complications in the hospital such as a [[nosocomial infection]], mostly due to pneumonia.


==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis depends upon the particular case. The amount of botulinum toxin an individual is exposed to will play a role in the overall prognosis, but early treatment will significantly decrease the chance of death.
The prognosis depends on the type of toxin. The amount of botulinum toxin an individual is exposed to will play a role in the overall prognosis, but early treatment will significantly decrease the chance of [[death]].<ref name="pmid25607430">{{cite journal |vauthors=David WS, Temin ES, Kraeft JJ, Hooper DC |title=Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 3-2015. A 60-year-old woman with abdominal pain, dyspnea, and diplopia |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=372 |issue=4 |pages=364–72 |year=2015 |pmid=25607430 |doi=10.1056/NEJMcpc1410936 |url=}}</ref>
 
There are in fact 7 different forms of the [[toxin]], and type A generally causes the most [[severe]] form of Botulism. An overall [[mortality rate]] of approximately 5-10% is suspected for the foodborne form of Botulism. Patients that are much older (older than 60) and young patients have a higher mortality rate than the average 5-10%.


[[Wound]] botulism is, on average, more [[fatal]] than foodborne botulism. Wound botulism carries a [[mortality rate]] of approximately 15%.
There are, in fact, 7 different forms of the [[toxin]]. Type A generally causes the most severe form of botulism. An overall [[mortality rate]] of approximately 5-10% is suspected for the foodborne form of Botulism. Patients older than 60 years carry a higher risk of mortality than the general population..<ref name="pmid7283294">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hughes JM, Blumenthal JR, Merson MH, Lombard GL, Dowell VR, Gangarosa EJ |title=Clinical features of types A and B food-borne botulism |journal=Ann. Intern. Med. |volume=95 |issue=4 |pages=442–5 |year=1981 |pmid=7283294 |doi= |url=}}</ref> The mortality rate of infant botulism is much lower; usually less than 1%.


The mortality rate of infant botulism is much lower; usually less than 1%.
[[Wound]] botulism is, on average, more [[fatal]] than foodborne botulism. Wound botulism carries a [[mortality rate]] of approximately 15%.<ref name="pmid15307002">{{cite journal |vauthors=Varma JK, Katsitadze G, Moiscrafishvili M, Zardiashvili T, Chokheli M, Tarkhashvili N, Jhorjholiani E, Chubinidze M, Kukhalashvili T, Khmaladze I, Chakvetadze N, Imnadze P, Hoekstra M, Sobel J |title=Signs and symptoms predictive of death in patients with foodborne botulism--Republic of Georgia, 1980-2002 |journal=Clin. Infect. Dis. |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=357–62 |year=2004 |pmid=15307002 |doi=10.1086/422318 |url=}}</ref>


The recovery period for botulism is fairly long. It ranges from approximately 30 to around 100 days. Sometimes patients need to stay on a [[ventilator]] for a long period of time to assist with [[breathing]]. There can also be a period of generalized [[weakness]] for up to a year after recovery from botulism.
The recovery period for botulism is fairly long. It ranges from approximately 30 to around 100 days. Sometimes patients need to stay on a [[ventilator]] for a long period of time to assist with [[breathing]]. There can also be a period of generalized [[weakness]] for up to a year after recovery from botulism.
[[Death]] from botulism mainly occurs from a few reasons:
#[[Respiratory failure]], possibly due to a delayed [[diagnosis]].
#Complications in the hospital such as [[nosocomial infections]].
**Usually [[pneumonia]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}
{{WikiDoc Help Menu}}
{{WikiDoc Sources}}

Latest revision as of 15:14, 24 May 2017

Botulism Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Botulism from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

CT

MRI

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis

CDC on Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis

Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis in the news

Blogs on Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Botulism

Risk calculators and risk factors for Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

If botulism left untreated it may cause respiratory failure and even death. Common complications of botulism include, respiratory failure, difficult swallowing, speech difficulties, fatigue, and death. Botulism's prognosis depends on the amount of the ingested toxins and prompt treatment.

Natural History

The symptoms of foodborne botulism often develop few days after ingestion of toxin produced in food by C. botulinum. The most frequent source is home-canned foods, prepared in an unsafe manner. Wound botulism occurs when C. botulinum spores germinate within wounds. Infant botulism occurs when C. botulinum spores germinate and produce toxin in the gastrointestinal tract of infants. If botulism left untreated it may cause respiratory failure and even death.[1][2]

Complications

Infant botulism has no long-term side effects, but can be complicated by nosocomial adverse events. The case fatality rate is less than 1% for hospitalized infants with botulism.

Important complications of botulism include:[3][1][2]

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the type of toxin. The amount of botulinum toxin an individual is exposed to will play a role in the overall prognosis, but early treatment will significantly decrease the chance of death.[4]

There are, in fact, 7 different forms of the toxin. Type A generally causes the most severe form of botulism. An overall mortality rate of approximately 5-10% is suspected for the foodborne form of Botulism. Patients older than 60 years carry a higher risk of mortality than the general population..[5] The mortality rate of infant botulism is much lower; usually less than 1%.

Wound botulism is, on average, more fatal than foodborne botulism. Wound botulism carries a mortality rate of approximately 15%.[2]

The recovery period for botulism is fairly long. It ranges from approximately 30 to around 100 days. Sometimes patients need to stay on a ventilator for a long period of time to assist with breathing. There can also be a period of generalized weakness for up to a year after recovery from botulism.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sobel J, Malavet M, John S (2007). "Outbreak of clinically mild botulism type E illness from home-salted fish in patients presenting with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms". Clin. Infect. Dis. 45 (2): e14–6. doi:10.1086/518993. PMID 17578769.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Varma JK, Katsitadze G, Moiscrafishvili M, Zardiashvili T, Chokheli M, Tarkhashvili N, Jhorjholiani E, Chubinidze M, Kukhalashvili T, Khmaladze I, Chakvetadze N, Imnadze P, Hoekstra M, Sobel J (2004). "Signs and symptoms predictive of death in patients with foodborne botulism--Republic of Georgia, 1980-2002". Clin. Infect. Dis. 39 (3): 357–62. doi:10.1086/422318. PMID 15307002.
  3. Sobel J (2005). "Botulism". Clin. Infect. Dis. 41 (8): 1167–73. doi:10.1086/444507. PMID 16163636.
  4. David WS, Temin ES, Kraeft JJ, Hooper DC (2015). "Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 3-2015. A 60-year-old woman with abdominal pain, dyspnea, and diplopia". N. Engl. J. Med. 372 (4): 364–72. doi:10.1056/NEJMcpc1410936. PMID 25607430.
  5. Hughes JM, Blumenthal JR, Merson MH, Lombard GL, Dowell VR, Gangarosa EJ (1981). "Clinical features of types A and B food-borne botulism". Ann. Intern. Med. 95 (4): 442–5. PMID 7283294.


Template:WikiDoc Sources