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Botulinum toxin A: a new option for treatment of drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Presentation of a case series.
- Source :
-
European Journal of Pediatrics . 2001, Vol. 160 Issue 8, p509-512. 4p. 1 Chart, 1 Graph. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
Abstract
- <bold>Unlabelled: </bold>Drooling beyond the age of 4 years is pathological, particularly if it occurs in children with neurological and developmental impairment and disability. Considering the therapeutic spectrum of botulinum toxin A and in view of the innervation of the salivary glands, we postulated that intraglandular injections into the submandibular glands with botulinum toxin A could reduce the secretion of saliva and consequently decrease drooling. Three patients with cerebral palsy and severe drooling were selected and evaluated over a 4-month period. Under ultrasound guidance, one dose of botulinum toxin A was injected bilaterally into the submandibular glands. Saliva secretion was measured at baseline and repeated four times during the following 4 months. In the three patients, maximal salivary flow rate of the sublingual and submandibular glands was reduced by 51% to 63%. The time of the maximal effect differed among the three children. The parents reported a satisfactory reduction of drooling throughout the whole study period. No objectionable disturbances of oral functions were observed. There was mild transient thickening of saliva in one of the patients.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>The application of botulinum toxin A to the submandibular gland is a promising technique to reduce salivary flow rate and probably an alternative in the treatment of drooling in children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03406199
- Volume :
- 160
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Journal of Pediatrics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 5350714
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310100784