Sialorrhea In Patients Research Articles

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus increases the risk of sialorrhea in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease

IntroductionSialorrhea is a common neurological manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD). No specifically designed prospective study has tested the effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) on sialorrhea in patients with advanced PD. We focused on the effect of STN-DBS on the incidence of sialorrhea in patients with PD. MethodsThis multicenter, prospective, non-randomized concurrent clinical trial analyzed the incidence of sialorrhea during long-term follow-up in 170 patients with advanced PD (84 patients with STN-DBS and 86 patients with medication therapy). ResultsAfter STN-DBS, 58.1% of patients presented with sialorrhea (Drooling Rating Scale (DRS) > 5) compared with 39.3% of patients with medication therapy (P < 0.001). STN-DBS stimulation demonstrated a significant increase in DRS and Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) compared with the patients with medication therapy (P < 0.001). At follow-up, the onabotulinumtoxin-A (BTX-A) injection ratio was significantly higher in the STN-DBS group (29.8% vs. 11.9%, P = 0.0057) compared with the patients with medication therapy. ConclusionsSTN-DBS increased the risk of sialorrhea in patients with advanced PD. Trial registrationclinicaltrials. gov (NCT06090929)

Use of botox for sialorrhea and dysphagia in the neonatal population

IntroductionBotox is frequently used for sialorrhea in patients with compromised airways and those with etiologies causing difficulty with secretion management (i.e. strokes, neurologic disorders, etc.). There are no published studies regarding the use of botulinum toxin (BoNT) in the neonate population. We aim to discuss our experience and safety of BoNT use in the neonate population in regards to alleviating secretion management and airway protection. MethodsRetrospective review of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) ≤12 months of age who received BoNT injection to submandibular (SMG) and parotid (PG) glands for sialorrhea/dysphagia. BoNT was administered under ultrasound (u/s) guidance by interventional radiology. Results6 children were examined. 2 (33 %) were male. Avg NICU stay was 87.5 ± 33.1 days. 2 underwent surgical airway intervention prior to injection. Mean age at initial BoNT was 1.5 ± 0.7 months. Avg weight at injection was 4 ± 1.1 kg. Each PG and SMG were injected in 5/6 cases. Bilateral SMG were unidentified on u/s in 1 case and thus not injected. Dose range injected per gland was 5-15u. 100 % required tube feeds, 50 % with tubes distal to stomach (NJT/NDT). 83 % were completely NPO prior to injection and there was no noted clinical improvement in oral skills post injection. All had noted desats/apneas prior to injection and 83 % had reported decreased events post injection. 50 % had reported decrease O2 requirements and frequent suctioning 2wks after injection, however 2 (33 %) required surgical airway intervention after injection (trach, SGP/MDO). 4/6 (67 %) trialed medical therapy, anticholinergics being the most common. 50 % underwent 2nd injection (age = 6.5 ± 0.3 months) avg. 4.7 ± 0.7mo after 1st injection, and the same 3pts underwent 3rd injection (age = 12.5 ± 2.4 months) avg. 6.1 ± 2.5mo after 2nd injection. 1 pt. had a total 6 injections. There were no injection related complications. ConclusionBoNT injection is a safe, non-invasive alterative for management of sialorrhea in neonates. Further extensive study needs to be performed to identify the optimal dose per gland in this population.

Examining the Role of Sublingual Atropine for the Treatment of Sialorrhea in Patients with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Retrospective Review.

Sialorrhea is common in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) and is reported in >40% of children with cerebral palsy (CP). It causes a range of complications, including significant respiratory morbidity. This single-center retrospective chart review aims to document sublingual atropine (SLA) utilization to guide further study in establishing its role in secretion management for children with NDD. A chart review was completed for patients with NDD ≤ 22 years of age treated with SLA at a free-standing children's hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2021. Descriptive statistics were generated to summarize findings. In total, 190 patients were identified, of which 178 met inclusion criteria. The average starting dose for SLA was 1.5 mg/day, or 0.09 mg/kg/day when adjusted for patient weight. Eighty-nine (50%) patients were prescribed SLA first line for secretion management while 85 (48%) patients tried glycopyrrolate prior to SLA. SLA was used after salivary Botox, ablation, and/or surgery in 16 (9%) patients. This study investigates SLA as a potential pharmacologic agent to treat sialorrhea in children with NDD. We identify a range of prescribing patterns regarding dosing, schedule, and place in therapy, highlighting the need for further evidence to support and guide its safe and efficacious use.

Botulinum toxin for Sialorrhea in Patients with Parkinson’s disease &amp; Atypical Parkinsonism: A Single Center Real-World Study (P8-9.008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin treatment (BTX) for medically refractory sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Atypical Parkinsonism (AP). <h3>Background:</h3> RimabotulinumtoxinB and IncobotulinumtoxinA are FDA approved for the treatment of medically refractory sialorrhea. However, there is paucity of studies that show their use in a ‘real-world’ setting. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A retrospective chart review was completed at a tertiary care movement disorder clinic. All patients with PD or AP who were treated with BTX were included. Patients with PD who had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) were also included. All injections were given by a fellowship trained movement disorder neurologist. Efficacy was measured by the patient reported Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) after each injection. <h3>Results:</h3> 111 Patients (76 male, 35 female) were included. 99 (89%) patients had PD and 12 (11%) patients had AP. Disease duration was 3.93 ± 2.6 years. Type of BTX injected was, rimabotulinumtoxinB 78 (70%), incobotulinumtoxinA 16 (14%), onobotulinumtoxinA 7 (6%). Ten patients received both rimabotulinumtoxinB and incobotulinumtoxinA at different times when they were switched from one BTX type to the other. Improvement was noted by mean CGI of 2.06 ± 0.09 for rimabotulinumtoxinB, 2.32 ± 0.19 for incobotulinumtoxinA, and 2.38 ± 0.35 for onobotulinumtoxinA respectively. This correlates to “much improved” on the CGI scale. No significant difference in efficacy was noted between the three BTX types (p= 0.42). 36 (33%) patients had preexisting dysphagia at the time of injection. 103 (92%) of patients reported no dysphagia or worsening of preexisting dysphagia after injections while 8 (8%) reported mild dysphagia after injection which resolved in a few weeks. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> In this large ‘real world’ study of patients with PD, with and without DBS, AP, BTX was well tolerated and resulted in patient reported “much improvement” of medically refractory sialorrhea. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Buttar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Siddiqui has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Boston Scientific Neuromodulation. Dr. Siddiqui has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Abbvie. The institution of Dr. Siddiqui has received research support from Boston Scientific Neuromodulation. The institution of Dr. Siddiqui has received research support from Abbvie. The institution of Dr. Siddiqui has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Siddiqui has received research support from Neuraly. The institution of Dr. Siddiqui has received research support from Abbvie.

Effectiveness of the pharmacological treatments for sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) aimed to establish whether there are evidence-based differences in the pharmacological agents used to manage sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The authors searched the databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for clinical trials. Unpublished trials were searched on clinicaltrials.gov and the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry. Means and standard deviations of changes in the salivary flow or drooling reported by participants due to the interventions were recorded. The authors analyzed 13 RCTs. Compared to the placebo, types A and B of the botulinum toxin effectively reduced the salivary flow and the severity or frequency of drooling. However, the network meta-analysis did not differentiate between the botulinum toxin types. Ipratropium bromide and glycopyrrolate did not differ from the placebo. Indirect evidence showed that ipratropium had similar results to those obtained with both types of botulinum toxin. The CINeMA approach estimated the quality of the evidence as very low for all comparisons. The best treatment for sialorrhea in patients with PD is not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, more well-conducted randomized clinical trials are required to increase the level of evidence. There needs to be more evidence defining the best intervention to treat sialorrhea in patients with PD. However, botulinum toxin types A and B seem to reduce sialorrhea in patients effectively.

Salivary gland surgery and nonviral respiratory-related hospitalizations in children with neurodevelopmental impairment.

Neurodevelopmentally impaired (NI) children with chronic sialorrhea are at elevated risk for aspiration and respiratory tract infections. Direct resection or ligation ("DROOL") of the submandibular glands (SMG) with parotid duct ligation are surgical interventions intended to decrease salivary output. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of DROOL surgery on the incidence of nonviral respiratory-related (NVR) post-procedure hospital encounters including emergency department visits and admissions. Retrospective case series of NVR related outcomes after DROOL surgery in children performed at a single institution, tertiary referral center. A total of 35 gastrostomy tube-dependent patients (60% male, average age 8.2 [SD 6.0] years) with NI underwent DROOL surgery (86% SMG excision). Pre- and post-surgical follow-up time was 3.6 and 3.2 years, respectively. Presurgical and postsurgical NVR hospital encounters occurred in 28 (80%) and 14 (40%) patients, respectively (p<0.01). Mean (SD) postoperative NVR hospital encounters occurred less frequently when compared to presurgical period (0.4 [0.6] vs. 1.0 [1.2] per year, p<0.01) with average change of -0.7 encounters per year (SD 1.4, 95% CI -1.0 to -0.2). Patients with encounters within a year preceding DROOL (OR 4.9, p=0.04, 95% CI 1.1-22.8), or those with at least 3 preoperative encounters (OR 8.0, p=0.01, 95% CI 1.6-40.3) were significantly associated with a postsurgical NVR event. Fewer patients used anti-sialorrhea medication postoperatively compared to preoperatively (60% vs. 17%, p<0.01). No patient developed surgical site complications requiring operative interventions. DROOL surgery for chronic sialorrhea in patients with NI was associated with decreased hospitalization and ED visits for NVR respiratory events post-procedurally. Sialorrhea may be an actionable source of recurrent respiratory illnesses requiring hospitalizations.

Sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease: A case report

Introduction: Sialorrhea is a common disorder in neurodegenerative diseases, being one of the most frequent signs resulting from the progress of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It consists of the excessive production of saliva and its accumulation in the oral cavity and oropharynx, compromising the quality of life and health and increasing the development of diseases. Case Report: A 66-year-old female patient, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 13 years ago, complained of hypersalivation and xerostomia, with consequent depletion of her quality of life, and underwent botulinum toxin application to the parotid glands and radiotherapy irradiation of the submandibular glands and 2/3 of the parotids, as well as physiotherapeutic and speech therapy intervention. Conclusion: Considering the high incidence and prevalence of sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson’s disease, the methods of treatment and rehabilitation available in order to re-establish the patients’ well-being will be discussed. The negative implications generated by sialorrhea on the quality of life and health of patients with PD are evident, which justifies the present study and its approaches within the field of treatments and interventions for the rehabilitation of these patients.

STN-DBS does not increase the risk of sialorrhea in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease

The aims of this study were to assess the incidence rate and risk factors for sialorrhea in the long-term follow-up in a cohort of 132 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease [88 with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and 44 on medical treatment]. The incidence rate of sialorrhea did not differ between the two groups; male sex, Hoehn and Yahr stage and dysphagia resulted risk factors for sialorrhea. These findings indicate that DBS does not increase the risk of developing sialorrhea.

Comparative Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Salivary Glands vs. Oromotor Therapy in the Management of Sialorrhea in Cerebral Palsy Impact on Sleep Quality.

AimsThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of intraglandular abobotuliniumtoxinA application and oromotor therapy in the management of sialorrhea in patients with cerebral palsy and its effect on sleep quality.MethodsA comparative study (n = 134), mean age 7.1 years (± 3.9 years) was performed in pediatric patients, between the efficacy of abobotuliniumtoxinA in salivary glands and oromotor therapy (JT), with a control group receiving exclusive oromotor therapy (EOMT). Demographic variables, as well as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) were analyzed in 134 patients considering two measurements 6 months apart. Statistical analysis was developed between both groups.ResultsThe greatest improvement in safety and efficacy of swallowing were those in the JT group with initial levels of EDACS IV and V. Both therapies result in favorable changes of all subscales means of SDSC, with joint therapy showing the greater benefit (p = 0.003) over EOMT (p = 0.06), especially for Sleep Breathing Disorders and Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (p < 0.01 vs. p = 0.07). No major adverse effects were found, only those expected from the application of the toxin, such as pain, mild, and transient local inflammation.InterpretationA correlation between frequency and intensity of sialorrhea, with the frequency of sleep disorders and dysphagia was found. Conventional EOMT proved to be useful, improving the safety and efficacy of swallowing, sialorrhea and sleep disorder, however it can be enhanced with the application of abobotuliniumtoxinA.

Treatment of sialorrhea with botulinum toxin injections in pediatric patients less than three years of age

ObjectiveTo determine the patient demographics and the efficacy and safety profile of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections for sialorrhea control in patients under the age of three. MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review study. Patients under three years of age who received BTX injections for sialorrhea management from 2010 to 2021 were assessed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medical and surgical histories, indications, BTX injection details, and post injection complications were documented. ResultsForty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. The most common patient under three years of age with sialorrhea to receive BTX injections were white (51.0%) male (51.0%) with congenital (73.5%) and/or neurologic (53.1%) comorbidities. Thirty-six (73.5%) patients were from medically underserved areas/populations. Our patients on average received 1.7 injections, with 44.9% requiring multiple BTX injections. Bilateral parotid and bilateral submandibular glands (four-gland) BTX injections were associated with significant decrease in admissions for pneumonia and cessation of anticholinergics usage (both P < 0.05). Post BTX injections, 15 (30.6%) patients required additional surgeries for sialorrhea control. No adverse outcomes due to BTX injections were reported. ConclusionsPediatric sialorrhea was commonly associated with congenital and/or neurologic comorbidities and disproportionately impacted medically underserved black patients. BTX injections offered multifaceted benefits for controlling sialorrhea in patients under the age of three. Four-gland BTX injections led to reduction of unnecessary hospitalization, usage of anticholinergics, and additional surgeries for sialorrhea management.

Russian consensus on the use of incobotulinumtoxinA in children with cerebral palsy for the treatment of spasticity and sialorrhea

Botulinum therapy for cerebral palsy (CP) is considered not only as one of the effective approaches for the treatment of increased muscle tone and spasticity, but also as a method of excessive salivation correction. The article presents an overview of the results of Russian and foreign studies on the efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of spasticity of the lower and upper limbs, as well as sialorrhea in patients with CP. The article also provides a consensus opinion of Russian specialists working with patients with CP and using Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) in their practice for the treatment of spasticity and sialorrhea. This consensus was based on the results of a Russian retrospective multicenter study on the use of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of spasticity and sialorrhea in CP, data from recently published international clinical trials, and our own clinical experience. We present detailed practical recommendations on the calculation of the total dose of incobotulinumtoxinA per procedure for the treatment of spasticity in CP, on the calculation of incobotulinumtoxinA dose for the most common target muscles (lower and upper limbs) for spasticity treatment in CP, on incobotulinumtoxinA dilution and dose calculation for sialorrhea treatment in children, on incobotulinumtoxinA dilution and dose calculation for simultaneous treatment of spasticity and sialorrhea in CP. We justify incobotulinumtoxinA use, when simultaneous treatment of spasticity and sialorrhea is necessary, which allows reducing the intervals between repeated injection cycles. IncobotulinumtoxinA use in children with CP demonstrates a favorable safety profile, including long-term use.

IncobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with infantile cerebral palsy

Sialorrhea is a severe medical problem that is difficult to treat, which can lead to serious complications. In almost all cases, chronic sialorrhea is accompanied by a restriction of the child's contacts with peers, socialization difficulties, and a significant decrease in the quality of life. Nowadays, botulinum therapy can be an effective tool that significantly reduces sialorrhea manifestation.Oblective: to evaluate the effectiveness of Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) in the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with spastic infantile cerebral palsy (ICP).Patients and methods. We enrolled 24 children with ICP (14 (58.3%) females, and 10 (41.7%) males) with various disease forms: 4 (16.6%) — with spastic hemiparesis, 6 (25.0%) — with spastic diplegia, and 14 (58.3%) — with spastic quadriparesis. IncobotulinumtoxinA injections were performed bilaterally in the parotid and submandibular salivary glands under ultrasound control at a total dose of 40-100 U (min 1.3, max 4.5 U/kg of body weight). IncobotulinumtoxinA. The Drooling Impact (DIS) and the Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS) were used 1, 3 and 6 months after IncobotulinumtoxinA injections to assess treatment effectiveness.Results and discussion. Botulinum toxin therapy resulted in a significant decrease in saliva discharge from the oral cavity 1 and 3 months after IncobotulinumtoxinA injections, which was demonstrated by a reduction in mean DIS score from 78.6±9.6 (min 62, max 95 points; 95% CI 74.6—82.7) to 48.7±6.7(min 25, max 61 points; 95% CI45.8—51.6) and 52.7±8.5points (min 22, max 65; 95% CI49.1—56.3), respectively, as well as an increase in delta GICSscore up to +1.3+0.8(min 0, max 3points; 95% CI 1.0—1.6) and +1.0+0.7points (min 0, max 3points; 95% CI 0.8—1.3), respectively. Adverse events were observed in 4patients (16.6%), which were classified as mild in 3 patients (did not require special treatment and completely stopped within six days) and moderate in 1 patient (also did not require special treatment and completely stopped within three weeks).Conclusion. In the majority (79.1%) of patients with ICP, it is possible to achieve high efficiency in reducing sialorrhea and this effect persists for at least 3 months.

Diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders in children with Moebius syndrome

BackgroundMoebius syndrome (MS) is characterized by congenital bilateral paralysis of the facial and abducens nerves. Clinical features include feeding problems, dysarthria, dysphagia, sialorrhea, strabismus, and lack of facial expression. Patients with MS frequently present with dysphagia during infancy. Further on during childhood a severe speech disorder is a common feature. However, articulation deficits in patients with MS are scarcely reported in the related scientific literature. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to describe speech deviations, intelligibility and sialorrhea in patients with MS. Material and methodsEighty-seven patients with MS were prospectively studied. Age ranged from 4 to 18 years. A complete Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) evaluation was performed in all cases. The evaluation focused on articulation placement, sialorrhea and intelligibility of speech. ResultsSialorrhea was detected in 23% of the patients. Abnormal articulation placement of bilabial phonemes was observed in 68% of the patients. Another 50% of the patients presented with articulation placement errors in other phonemes. Intelligibility was classified as adequate in 18% of the cases. Mildly affected intelligibility was found in 51% of the patients. Speech was considered moderately unintelligible in 20% of the cases. Unintelligible speech was found in 11% of the patients. ConclusionsFrom the results of this prospective study it can be concluded that a high percentage of patients with MS are at high risk of presenting with moderate to severe speech disorders. Thus, an early SLP intervention should be provided for this population in order to enhance speech development and reducing the risk of severe oral communication impairments.

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin for Treating Sialorrhea in Neuromuscular Conditions.

Background: Drooling related to bulbar weakness and dysfunction is a common concern in patients with neuromuscular disease. While there are numerous medications to manage sialorrhea, they are often limited by side effects and lack of efficacy. Botulinum toxin has shown to benefit ALS patients in a few studies, but there is scant data on the benefit in other neuromuscular conditions.Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin in reducing sialorrhea in patients with various neuromuscular disease.Design/Methods: 25 patients (19M, 6F; 54.36 ± 17.09 yr) with documented neuromuscular illness and concern for drooling was followed for 6 weeks after Botulinum toxin injection. These patients had one of the following diagnoses: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (3), myotonic dystrophy (3), oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (1), inclusion body myositis (2), primary lateral sclerosis (1), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (9), spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and 3 (2), spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (2), and Becker's muscular dystrophy (2). A subjective drooling scale (1: markedly worse, 5: markedly better) and drooling thickness score (0=normal, 100=thick) was calculated on these patients prior to the injection and 4 and 6 weeks after the injection. Botulinum toxin 20–30 units were injected into bilateral parotid gland (70% of the dose) and submandibular gland (30% of the dose).Results: The drooling thickness score at before the injection was 75.2 ± 10.46. At 4 and 6 weeks, average scores reduced to 47.2 ± 6.14 and 18.8 ± 5.26, respectively (p < 0.05). The average pre injection perception about drooling was 3.0 (p < 0.05). The average change in perception was +0.84 and +1.28 at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, (p < 0.05) implying significant improvement. There were no reported adverse effects.Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the use of botulinum toxin for refractory sialorrhea for a variety of neuromuscular conditions.

The Role of Radiation Therapy and Botulinum Toxin Injections in the Management of Sialorrhea in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Half of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis experience sialorrhea due to facial weakness. Although anticholinergic medications are first-line therapy, they often lead to unacceptable side effects. Radiation therapy and botulinum toxin may be considered when medical management fails. In this systematic review, we investigated the effectiveness of these interventions. Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases up to March 2017 along with hand-searching of references from primary articles. Fourteen studies (N = 138) examined the benefits of botulinum toxin. Studies varied in salivary glands treated, dosages used, and the use of botulinum toxin subtype A or B. A majority of studies showed benefit after treatment. Although most studies reported only mild adverse effects, 2 case studies revealed severe complications including recurrent TMJ dislocations and rapid deterioration in bulbar function. Ten studies (N = 171) examined the benefits of radiation. Most studies reported improvement with only mild adverse events reported. Both radiation and botulinum toxin are effective treatments for sialorrhea in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and should be considered when medical management fails. Radiation may offer longer duration of symptom improvement with fewer complications.

A 10-year Retrospective Review of Botulinum Toxin Injections and Surgical Management of Sialorrhea.

BackgroundSialorrhea is a common comorbidity among children with neurologic disorders. Botulinum toxin injections and surgical procedures are recommended for the management of pathological sialorrhea in patients who fail conservative management or with concerns for salivary aspiration. The following review evaluates outcomes following botulinum toxin injections and surgical interventions for sialorrhea over a 10-year period with a focus on treatment options and outcomes for patients with anterior and posterior drooling.MethodsThe study included all patients less than 25 years of age who underwent a procedure for drooling (Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 42440, 42450, 42509, 42510, 64611 matched with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes 527.7 and K11.7) from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. A chart review collected demographics, drooling medication use, and type of drooling (anterior, posterior, both). Outcome variables included pre- and post-procedure number of bibs, parent-reported outcomes, post-intervention drooling medication requirement, post-procedure length of stay, and complications.ResultsSeventy-one patients were included in our analysis, with 88 total procedures performed. The average age at first intervention was 8.9 years; 43 patients were male and 40 patients had cerebral palsy. Thirty-one patients experienced posterior drooling or anterior/posterior drooling. These patients were more likely to undergo surgery as the first invasive intervention. The most commonly performed interventions were botulinum toxin injections (28 patients, 39%) and sublingual gland excision (SLGE) with submandibular duct ligation (SMDL) (36 patients, 51%). Improvement following injections was noted in 56% of patients versus 73% of patients following any surgical intervention.ConclusionManagement of drooling is complex with 18 different procedures performed over 10 years. Surgical interventions, specifically SLGE with SMDL and submandibular gland excision (SMGE), result in substantial improvement; these are commonly performed as the first intervention in patients with posterior drooling. By reviewing our experience, we hope to guide management decisions and help manage patient and caregiver expectations.

Cost-Effectiveness of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Sialorrhea in Patients with Various Neurological Conditions.

IntroductionSialorrhea is a common and debilitating symptom associated with neurological conditions, which can result in considerable physical and psychosocial complications. In Australia, management options are limited and further impeded by the lack of approved treatments. Whilst there is emerging evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of botulinum toxin (BoNT) for the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with neurological conditions, the cost-effectiveness of the treatment is yet to be established.ObjectivesTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of chronic troublesome sialorrhea caused by various neurological conditions from the Australian healthcare perspective.MethodsA Markov state transition model was developed to perform a cost-utility analysis comparing incobotulinumtoxinA with standard of care (SoC). The model consisted of a hypothetical cohort of patients transiting between three severity-based health states, defined according to the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), in 16-weekly cycles over 5 years. All clinical and utility inputs were sourced from a single placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Only direct healthcare costs were considered, and potential indirect costs such as carer’s time and lost productivity were ignored. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.ResultsThe model demonstrated that proportionally more patients spent time in less severe sialorrhea health states in the incobotulinumtoxinA arm. For example, over the 5-year period, patients receiving incobotulinumtoxinA were estimated to spend 1.6 years with minimal or no sialorrhea, while no patients achieved this level of improvement under SoC. IncobotulinumtoxinA was shown to have an incremental cost per QALY gained of A$23,445 when compared with SoC.ConclusionsThe quality of life (QoL) of patients with sialorrhea caused by neurological conditions was considerably compromised. IncobotulinumtoxinA was shown to successfully alleviate sialorrhea and it was demonstrated to be a cost-effective intervention when compared with SoC alone.

Prevalence of Sialorrhea in Patients Treated With Clozapine

Prevalence of Sialorrhea in Patients Treated With Clozapine

Effectiveness of the Botulinum Toxin for Treating Sialorrhea in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

The main objective was to assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin-based treatment for sialorrhea in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease. The search was performed by using the Medline-PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from January 2000–December 2017, in English/Spanish in patients with Parkinson’s disease and sialorrhea. The methodological quality of trials was carried out by following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Finally, a total of 21 articles were identified as fulfilling the inclusion criteria. There is no consensus regarding the site of injection of the toxin (single or multiple points), toxin dose or follow-up period. In all cases there was a reduction of sialorrhea. Treatment safety increases with the use of ultrasonography. Effects approximately occur at one week post-injection and for 3–5 months. Botulinum toxin is an effective therapeutic strategy or option in treating sialorrhea in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease. More studies with a better design, larger samples and a longer follow-up period are required to confirm these data.

Onabotulinum Toxin A Injections Into the Salivary Glands for Spinal Muscle Atrophy Type I: A Prospective Case Series of 4 Patients.

The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of onabotulinum toxin A injection to the salivary glands under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type I. Prospective case series with four patients with spinal muscular atrophy type I who received onabotulinum toxin A injection to parotid and submandibular glands for sialorrhea as part of clinical care. All four patients received validated surveys for measuring drooling, including objective measures of number of bib changes, and number of mouth wipes before injection and 4-6 wks after injection. Research was limited to survey completion. Scales included the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale and the Drooling Impact Scale as well as a new scale used in our clinic, the Posterior Drooling Scales looking at coughing/choking and number of aspiration pneumonias. There were no adverse events. All four patients showed clinically significant improvements. The improvement in drooling using the Drooling Impact Scale was statistically significant (paired t test, t = 3.243, P = 0.048). All patients improved with number of mouth wipes. Ultrasound-guided onabotulinum toxin A injections to the salivary glands may be a safe and effective method of decreasing drooling in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type I.