Injections of botulinum toxin A into the salivary glands improve sialorrhoea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Sialorrhoea is a socially disabling problem in bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) was injected into the salivary glands in five patients with bulbar ALS and sialorrhoea. The effect of BoNT/A was measured by the number of paper handkerchiefs used each day and by salivary gland scintigraphy. BoNT/A ameliorated sialorrhoea and quality of life without major adverse effects. BoNT/A may be a relatively safe and effective treatment for sialorrhoea in selected patients.
Giess
R
R
Department of Neurology, Bayerische Julius-Maximilians- University, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Naumann
M
M
Werner
E
E
Riemann
R
R
Beck
M
M
Puls
I
I
Reiners
C
C
Toyka
K V
KV
D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy*
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A