A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome

American Journal of Ophthalmology
Susan VitaleChristopher Girkin

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of super blue-green algae (SBGA) supplements on the severity of essential blepharospasm treated with botulinum toxin A injections. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, two-period, crossover randomized trial. The study was carried out in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome undergoing routine treatment with botulinum toxin A injections. Patients were randomly assigned to either SBGA capsules or placebo. After 6 months of treatment, patients underwent a 6-month washout period with no treatment, then were administered the alternate treatment for an additional 6 months, thus serving as their own controls. Video documentation of blink rate and involuntary facial movements, time between botulinum toxin A injections, and patients' subjective assessment of the impact of blepharospasm on functioning were obtained at the beginning and end of the first and second (crossover) treatment periods. A total of 24 patients (10 men, 14 women; aged 42 to 83 years) completed both treatment periods. Mean within-patient difference in blink rate between SBGA and placebo periods was -2.1 blinks per 2 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI]: -20.8-+31.9), not statistically different from zero (P =.83). Mean w...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 22, 2009·Parkinsonism & Related Disorders·Mark S LeDoux
Mar 10, 2005·Dental Clinics of North America·Glenn T ClarkAna C Lotaif
Dec 8, 2009·Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·Michael J RichardJulie A Woodward
Jun 23, 2005·International Ophthalmology Clinics·Guy J Ben Simon, John D McCann

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