Successful management of drooling with botulinum toxin A in neurologically disabled children.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigates the effect of topical injections of botulinum toxin A into the cephalic salivary glands of children with chronic hypersalivation due to neurodegenerative diseases.


METHODS
Five children with hypersalivation due to severe neurological diseases received, under ultrasound guidance, a total of 50-65 units of botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the parotid and submandibular glands on both sides. All injections were tolerated without local anaesthesia. Before and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after toxin injection, salivary flow rates and the concentrations of total protein, alpha-amylase, acid phosphatase, kallikrein, and immunoglobulin A were measured in the secretions; simultaneously, the patients were clinically examined with regard to severity of symptoms, and their salivary glands were subjected to ultrasound study.


RESULTS
A distinct improvement of symptoms within the first 2 weeks following toxin administration were reported by the parents. Sialometry revealed considerably reduced flow rates but sialochemistry showed an increase of amylase activity. Ultrasound examination did not reveal any changes of the salivary parenchyma, and side-effects were absent.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of drooling by topical injection of botulinum toxin A into the salivary glands is a reliable and also side-effect-free therapeutic option for children with neurological disorders. All children involved in our study experienced a distinct improvement of their quality of life.
Ellies
M
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. ellies@web.de
Rohrbach-Volland
S
S
Arglebe
C
C
Wilken
B
B
Laskawi
R
R
Hanefeld
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000187:drug effects*; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A