Comparing the Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type B Injection at Different Dosages for Patient with Drooling due to Brain Lesion.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate Botulinum toxin type B (BNT-B) injection's effect and duration depending on dose for patients with brain lesion.


METHODS
Twenty one patients with brain lesion and severe drooling were included and divided into three groups. All patients received conventional dysphagia therapy. Group A patients (n=7) received an injection of 1,500 units and group B patients (n=7) received an injection of 2,500 units of BNT-B in submandibular gland under ultrasound guidance. Group C patients (n=7) received conventional dysphagia therapy. Saliva secretion was assessed quantitatively at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. The severity and frequency of drooling was assessed using the Drooling Quotient (DQ) by patients and/or caregivers.


RESULTS
Group A and B reported a distinct improvement of the symptoms within 2 weeks after BNT-B injection. Compared to the baseline, the mean amount of saliva decreased significantly throughout the study. However, there was no meaningful difference between the two groups. The greatest reductions were achieved at 2 weeks and lasted up to 8 weeks after BNT-B injection. Group C did not show any differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Local injection of 1,500 units of BNT-B into salivary glands under ultrasonic guidance proved to be a safe and effective dose for drooling in patient with brain lesion, as did 2,500 units.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul 131-130, Korea.
Hee Dong
HD
Park
Hyo Jae
HJ
Kim
Sang Jun
SJ
Park
Yong Min
YM
Choi
Botulinum toxin; Brain lesion; Drooling; Submandibular gland; Ultrasound