RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Review of Options for Treating Sialorrhea in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP respcare.02856
DO 10.4187/respcare.02856
A1 Paolo Banfi
A1 Nicola Ticozzi
A1 Agata Lax
A1 Giulia Andrea Guidugli
A1 Antonello Nicolini
A1 Vincenzo Silani
YR 2014
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2014/09/16/respcare.02856.abstract
AB Sialorrhea or drooling represents quite a common problem in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we describe the possible treatments for this issue. Current medical management is not always effective: anticholinergic drugs (atropine, glycopyrrolate, amitriptyline, hyoscyamine, and transdermal scopolamine) are often used, but there is very little evidence of their effectiveness in patients with ALS. More invasive treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections and/or radiation therapy in the salivary glands, can be considered when anticholinergic drugs are not effective. In this review, we also explore the possible surgical options for treatment of sialorrhea. Although no specific studies have been conducted on patients with ALS, surgical therapies might represent a valid option for treatment of sialorrhea since there is no tachyphylaxis or need for repeated therapeutic sessions.