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ELECTRONIC ARTICLE:
Wendy G. Mitchell and Linda Tseng-Ong
Catastrophic Presentation of Infant Botulism May Obscure or Delay Diagnosis
Pediatrics 2005; 116: e436-e438 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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eLetters published:

[Read eLetters] Broadened availability of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) for infant botulism
Stephen S. Arnon, M.D.   (21 September 2005)

Broadened availability of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) for infant botulism 21 September 2005
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Stephen S. Arnon, M.D.,
Founder and Chief, Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program
California Department of Health Services

Send letter to journal:
Re: Broadened availability of Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) for infant botulism

sarnon{at}dhs.ca.gov Stephen S. Arnon, M.D.

In follow-up to Drs. Mitchell and Tseng-Ong report on infant botulism and its treatment, the readership of PEDIATRICS may wish to know that the only approved treatment for infant botulism, namely, Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)(BIG-IV)(BabyBIG(R)), is now available for use starting more than seven days after hospital admission, which was not the case when their article was submitted. The extended availability of BIG- IV results from having Lot 3 now in service and from concern regarding possible antibiotic-induced lysis of intestinal Clostridum botulinum. Such lysis would increase the release of botulinum toxin and its absorption from the gut, thereby prolonging the patient's paralysis and hospital stay. BIG-IV may be obtained by visiting the website www.infantbotulism.org. and telephoning 510-231-7600 (24/7).

Conflict of Interest:

I head the CDHS program that created the orphan drug Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)(BIG-IV)(BabyBIG(R))and now distributes it nationwide in exchange for a fee, as required by State law.