Clinical features of mesotherapy-associated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: A systematic review. Issue 4 (3rd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singsing, Melissa E.; Duncan, Steven G.; Vachon, M. Jonathan; Goff, Heather W.
• Is Part Of: International journal of women's dermatology. Volume 8:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: e059
• Publication Date: 2022-11-03
• Subjects: cutaneous infection -- injections -- mesotherapy -- non-tuberculous mycobacteria; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Women -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology; Skin -- Diseases; Women -- Diseases; Skin Diseases; Sex Factors; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.50082
• DOI: 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-6475

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Cutaneous infections from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a well-documented but poorly characterized adverse event following mesotherapy injections. Objective: This study aims to consolidate the available literature to characterize demographic and clinical features of mesotherapy-associated NTM infections. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases was undertaken for articles reporting cases of NTM skin infections following mesotherapy. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Of 1966 search results, 30 articles (N = 423 patients) met inclusion criteria. Studies were largely from South America, and patients were mostly women aged 16-55 with NTM infections arising in the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. Nearly all patients developed multiple, well-localized lesions without systemic symptoms. Effect summary by meta-analysis revealed most infections resolved after antibiotic therapy, though many patients required multiple antibiotic courses and/or agents to resolve infection. Infections often took weeks to resolve and were complicated by post-treatment scarring. Limitations: The main limitation of this study was the heterogeneity and lack of consistency between case reports. Conclusion: Cutaneous NTM infections associated with mesotherapy generally occur in women of childbearing age, arise from injections contaminated by the environment, and are often complicated by scarring/poor cosmesis and prolonged treatment course.