title: [Blocking secretion of exocrine glands in the head-neck area by administration of botulinum toxin A. Therapy of a rare disease picture].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypersecretion disorders of the exocrine glands of the head and neck area are a therapeutic problem in the field of otorhinolaryngology. In the present study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of local injections of botulinum toxin A to block secretions of exocrine glands of the head and neck area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients suffering from hypersecretion disorders received local injections of botulinum toxin A. Two patients suffered from disorders of the salivary glands: one presented an idiopathic hypersialorrhea and another a salivary fistula after parotidectomy. A third patient suffered from epiphora and a further patient presented severe hyperhidrosis on the pilose head region. In a retrospective clinical study, the outcome of therapy was evaluated by clinical examination and chemical parameters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clear blocking of secretion in the treated glands could be demonstrated in all four cases. Possible side effects of the treatment could not be observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study was able to demonstrate a clear blocking of secretion of the exocrine glands of the head and neck region through botulinum toxin A, offering an improvement in therapy especially for the innovative indication of blocking the salivary glands of the head.
authors.affiliation: Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Universität Göttingen.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ellies
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Laskawi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rohrbach-Volland
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rödel
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Beuche
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012467:Salivary Gland Fistula / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A