Treatment for sialorrhea (excessive saliva) in people with motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Update on recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In the last few years, our understanding of disease molecular mechanisms underpinning ALS has advanced greatly, allowing the first steps in translating into clinical practice novel research findings, including gene therapy approaches. Similarly, the recent advent of assistive technologies has greatly improved the possibility of a more personalized approach to supportive and symptomatic care, in the context of an increasingly complex multidisciplinary line of actions, which remains the cornerstone of ALS management. Against this rapidly growing background, here we provide an comprehensive update on the most recent studies that have contributed towards our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the latest results from clinical trials as well as the future directions for improving the clinical management of ALS patients.

A systematic review of the perspectives of botulinum toxin use on the quality of life of neurological patients with drooling

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the salivary glands of patients with neurological impairment and drooling and its impact on the quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42,023,435,242) and conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial databases until August 2023, no language restriction. Cohort studies and randomized clinical trials of patients diagnosed with drooling and neurological impairment who used botulinum toxin on the salivary gland were included, which evaluated subjective quality of life parameters. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and Risk of Bias 2 tools. The certainty of the evidence was analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 317 patients were included. All studies, through subjective parameters, suggested the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in reducing drooling, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life. Three studies demonstrated improvements in swallowing and four in cases of respiratory diseases. Two clinical trials had a high risk of bias, whereas one had low risk. The five cohort studies that were evaluated had a high risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was considered low.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the patient/caregivers' perception of improvement in drooling, dysphagia, and respiratory symptoms, it can be inferred that botulinum toxin application reduces subjective drooling in neurologically compromised patients. Its impact contributes to the general well-being and quality of life.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Injection of botulinum toxin into the salivary glands can be considered an alternative technique to surgical or medicinal approaches in reducing drooling. It is effective, less invasive and without significant side effects. It promotes a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of neurological patients.

Guideline "Motor neuron diseases" of the German Society of Neurology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie)

INTRODUCTION

In 2021, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurology published a new guideline on diagnosis and therapy of motor neuron disorders. Motor neuron disorders affect upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and/or lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. The most frequent motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive disease with an average life expectancy of 2-4 years with a yearly incidence of 3.1/100,000 in Central Europe (Rosenbohm et al. in J Neurol 264(4):749-757, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-017-8413-3 ). It is considered a rare disease mainly due to its low prevalence as a consequence of short disease duration.

RECOMMENDATIONS

These guidelines comprise recommendations regarding differential diagnosis, neuroprotective therapies and multidisciplinary palliative care including management of respiration and nutrition as well as provision of assistive devices and end-of-life situations.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are necessary due the comparatively high number of cases and the aggressive disease course. Given the low prevalence and the severe impairment of patients, it is often impossible to generate evidence-based data so that ALS guidelines are partially dependent on expert opinion.

Treatment for sialorrhea (excessive saliva) in people with motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Motor neuron disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that may cause dysphagia, as well as limb weakness, dysarthria, emotional lability, and respiratory failure. Since normal salivary production is 0.5 L to 1.5 L daily, loss of salivary clearance due to dysphagia leads to salivary pooling and sialorrhea, often resulting in distress and inconvenience to people with MND. This is an update of a review first published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of treatments for sialorrhea in MND, including medications, radiotherapy and surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

On 27 August 2021, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP. We checked the bibliographies of the identified randomized trials and contacted trial authors as needed. We contacted known experts in the field to identify further published and unpublished papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, including cross-over trials, on any intervention for sialorrhea and related symptoms, compared with each other, placebo or no intervention, in people with ALS/MND.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified four RCTs involving 110 participants with MND who were described as having intractable sialorrhea or bulbar dysfunction. A well-designed study of botulinum toxin B compared to placebo injected into the parotid and submandibular glands of 20 participants showed that botulinum toxin B may produce participant-reported improvement in sialorrhea, but the confidence interval (CI) was also consistent with no effect. Six of nine participants in the botulinum group and two of nine participants in the placebo group reported improvement (risk ratio (RR) 3.00, 95% CI 0.81 to 11.08; 1 RCT; 18 participants; low-certainty evidence). An objective measure indicated that botulinum toxin B probably reduced saliva production (in mL/5 min) at eight weeks compared to placebo (MD -0.50, 95% CI -1.07 to 0.07; 18 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). Botulinum toxin B may have little to no effect on quality of life, measured on the Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life direct weighting scale (SEIQoL-DW; 0-100, higher values indicate better quality of life) (MD -2.50, 95% CI -17.34 to 12.34; 1 RCT; 17 participants; low-certainty evidence). The rate of adverse events may be similar with botulinum toxin B and placebo (20 participants; low-certainty evidence). Trialists did not consider any serious events to be related to treatment. A randomized pilot study of botulinum toxin A or radiotherapy in 20 participants, which was at high risk of bias, provided very low-certainty evidence on the primary outcome of the Drool Rating Scale (DRS; range 8 to 39 points, higher scores indicate worse drooling) at 12 weeks (effect size -4.8, 95% CI -10.59 to 0.92; P = 0.09; 1 RCT; 16 participants). Quality of life was not measured. Evidence for adverse events, measured immediately after treatment (RR 7.00, 95% CI 1.04 to 46.95; 20 participants), and after four weeks (when two people in each group had viscous saliva) was also very uncertain. A phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 20 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg quinidine sulfate (DMQ) found that DMQ may produce a participant-reported improvement in sialorrhea, indicated by a slight improvement (decrease) in mean scores for the primary outcome, the Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS). Mean total CNS-BFS (range 21 (no symptoms) to 112 (maximum symptoms)) was 53.45 (standard error (SE) 1.07) for the DMQ treatment period and 59.31 (SE 1.10) for the placebo period (mean difference) MD -5.85, 95% CI -8.77 to -2.93) with a slight decrease in the CNS-BFS sialorrhea subscale score (range 7 (no symptoms) to 35 (maximum symptoms)) compared to placebo (MD -1.52, 95% CI -2.52 to -0.52) (1 RCT; 60 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The trial did not report an objective measure of saliva production or measure quality of life. The study was at an unclear risk of bias. Adverse events were similar to other trials of DMQ, and may occur at a similar rate as placebo (moderate-certainty evidence, 60 participants), with the most common side effects being constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. Nausea and diarrhea on DMQ treatment resulted in one withdrawal. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of scopolamine (hyoscine), administered using a skin patch, involved 10 randomized participants, of whom eight provided efficacy data. The participants were unrepresentative of clinic cohorts under routine clinical care as they had feeding tubes and tracheostomy ventilation, and the study was at high risk of bias. The trial provided very low-certainty evidence on sialorrhea in the short term (7 days' treatment, measured on the Amyotrophic Lateral Scelerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) saliva item (P = 0.572)), and the amount of saliva production in the short term, as indicated by the weight of a cotton roll (P = 0.674), or daily oral suction volume (P = 0.69). Quality of life was not measured. Adverse events evidence was also very uncertain. One person treated with scopolamine had a dry mouth and one died of aspiration pneumonia considered unrelated to treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is some low-certainty or moderate-certainty evidence for the use of botulinum toxin B injections to salivary glands and moderate-certainty evidence for the use of oral dextromethorphan with quinidine (DMQ) for the treatment of sialorrhea in MND. Evidence on radiotherapy versus botulinum toxin A injections, and scopolamine patches is too uncertain for any conclusions to be drawn. Further research is required on treatments for sialorrhea. Data are needed on the problem of sialorrhea in MND and its measurement, both by participant self-report measures and objective tests. These will allow the development of better RCTs.

The Role of Radiation Therapy and Botulinum Toxin Injections in the Management of Sialorrhea in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Half of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis experience sialorrhea due to facial weakness. Although anticholinergic medications are first-line therapy, they often lead to unacceptable side effects. Radiation therapy and botulinum toxin may be considered when medical management fails. In this systematic review, we investigated the effectiveness of these interventions.

METHODS

Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases up to March 2017 along with hand-searching of references from primary articles.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (N = 138) examined the benefits of botulinum toxin. Studies varied in salivary glands treated, dosages used, and the use of botulinum toxin subtype A or B. A majority of studies showed benefit after treatment. Although most studies reported only mild adverse effects, 2 case studies revealed severe complications including recurrent TMJ dislocations and rapid deterioration in bulbar function. Ten studies (N = 171) examined the benefits of radiation. Most studies reported improvement with only mild adverse events reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Both radiation and botulinum toxin are effective treatments for sialorrhea in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and should be considered when medical management fails. Radiation may offer longer duration of symptom improvement with fewer complications.

Sialorrhea in patients with ALS: current treatment options

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neuron, which selectively affects it both at central (first motor-neuron) and peripheral level (second motor-neuron). The disease shows up at a mean age of 56 years and the most affected are males. Although ALS may start as a bulbar or spinal disease, with the progression of the disease typically both become evident. Pharmacological approved treatments for ALS are still limited and include riluzole and edaravone which improve survival over time. Despite this, ALS leads to progressive muscle involvement and requires a complex multidisciplinary approach to manage increasing disability which goes beyond motor neurons. Sialorrhea is, amongst others, one of the most disabling symptoms in ALS. The complexity in managing saliva is due to a muscular spasticity and to a scarce palatino-lingual muscles control, rather than to an overproduction of saliva. These features could increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia and limit the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation. We reviewed the treatment for sialorrhea in ALS patients that are available at this time, emphasizing pros and cons for each approach. Our purpose is to create a practical tool for the diagnosis, in order to facilitate the quantification and management of sialorrhea in everyday practice.

Salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological diseases

Current research efforts on neurological diseases are focused on identifying novel disease biomarkers to aid in diagnosis, provide accurate prognostic information and monitor disease progression. With advances in detection and quantification methods in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, saliva has emerged as a good source of samples for detection of disease biomarkers. Obtaining a sample of saliva offers multiple advantages over the currently tested biological fluids as it is a non-invasive, painless and simple procedure that does not require expert training or harbour undesirable side effects for the patients. Here, we review the existing literature on salivary biomarkers and examine their validity in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Based on the available research, amyloid beta peptide, tau protein, lactoferrin, alpha-synuclein, DJ-1 protein, chromogranin A, huntingtin protein, DNA methylation disruptions, and micro-RNA profiles provide display a reliable degree of consistency and validity as disease biomarkers.

Application of botulinum toxin to treat sialorrhea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a literature review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons, which are the central nervous system cells that control voluntary muscle movements. The excessive salivation (sialorrhea) is present in approximately 50% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. Thus, some alternative therapeutic methods are sought, such as anticholinergic drugs and surgery. Recently the use of botulinum toxin applied at a midpoint of the salivary glands, often guided by ultrasound, have demonstrated positive results. The objective was to review the literature to demonstrate an alternative method to treatments of sialorrhea in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In recent studies, the efficacy of botulinum toxin is confirmed, although new applications are required. Since the side effects are negligible, this is an alternative to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other patients with diseases that present sialorrhea.

The development of the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence evidence-based clinical guidelines on motor neurone disease

The care of people with motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is often complex and involves a wide multidisciplinary team approach. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has produced an evidence based guideline for the management of patients. This has made recommendations, based on clear evidence or consensus discussion. The evidence is often limited and areas for further research are suggested.

Symptomatic treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Motor neuron disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes a wide range of symptoms but the evidence base for the effectiveness of the symptomatic treatment therapies is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To summarise the evidence from Cochrane Systematic Reviews of all symptomatic treatments for MND.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) on 15 November 2016 for systematic reviews of symptomatic treatments for MND. We assessed the methodological quality of the included reviews using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and the GRADE approach. We followed standard Cochrane study (review) selection and data extraction procedures. We reported findings narratively and in tables.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine Cochrane Systematic Reviews of interventions to treat symptoms in people with MND. Three were empty reviews with no included randomised controlled trials (RCTs); however, all three reported on non-RCT evidence and the remaining six included mostly one or two studies. We deemed all of the included reviews of high methodological quality. Drug therapy for painThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review exploring the efficacy of drug therapy for pain in MND. Treatment for crampsThere is evidence (13 RCTs, N = 4012) that for the treatment of cramps in MND, compared to placebo:- memantine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably ineffective (moderate-quality evidence);- vitamin E may have little or no effect (low-quality evidence); and- the effects of L-threonine, gabapentin, xaliproden, riluzole, and baclofen are uncertain as the evidence is either very low quality or the trial specified the outcome but did not report numerical data.The review reported adverse effects of riluzole, but it is not clear whether other interventions had adverse effects. Treatment for spasticityIt is uncertain whether an endurance-based exercise programme improved spasticity or quality of life, measured at three months after the programme, as the quality of evidence is very low (1 RCT, comparison "usual activities", N = 25). The review did not evaluate other approaches, such as use of baclofen as no RCTs were available. Mechanical ventilation for supporting respiratory functionNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) probably improves median survival and quality of life in people with respiratory insufficiency and normal to moderately impaired bulbar function compared to standard care, and improves quality of life but not survival for people with poor bulbar function (1 RCT, N = 41, moderate-quality evidence; a second RCT did not provide data). The review did not evaluate other approaches such as tracheostomy-assisted ('invasive') ventilation, or assess timing of NIV initiation. Treatment for sialorrhoeaA single session of botulinum toxin type B injections to parotid and submandibular glands probably improves sialorrhoea and quality of life at up to 4 weeks compared to placebo injections, but not at 8 or 12 weeks after the injections (moderate-quality evidence from 1 placebo-controlled RCT, N = 20). The review authors found no trials of other approaches. Enteral tube feeding for supporting nutritionThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to support benefit or harms of enteral tube feeding in supporting nutrition in MND. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationIt is uncertain whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves disability or limitation in activity in MND in comparison with sham rTMS (3 RCTs, very low quality evidence, N = 50). Therapeutic exerciseThere is evidence that exercise may improve disability in MND at three months after the exercise programme, but not quality of life, in comparison with "usual activities" or "usual care" including stretching (2 RCTs, low-quality evidence, N = 43). Multidisciplinary careThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to demonstrate any benefit or harm for multidisciplinary care in MND.None of the reviews, other than the review of treatment for cramps, reported that adverse events occurred. However, the trials were too small for reliable adverse event reporting.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This overview has highlighted the lack of robust evidence in Cochrane Systematic Reviews on interventions to manage symptoms resulting from MND. It is important to recognise that clinical trials may fail to demonstrate efficacy of an intervention for reasons other than a true lack of efficacy, for example because of insufficient statistical power, the wrong choice of dose, insensitive outcome measures or inappropriate participant eligibility. The trials were mostly too small to reliably assess adverse effects of the treatments. The nature of MND makes it difficult to research clinically accepted or recommended practice, regardless of the level of evidence supporting the practice. It would not be ethical, for example, to design a placebo-controlled trial for treatment of pain in MND or to withhold multidisciplinary care where such care is available. It is therefore highly unlikely that there will ever be classically designed placebo-controlled RCTs in these areas.We need more research with appropriate study designs, robust methodology, and of sufficient duration to address the changing needs-of people with MND and their caregivers-associated with MND disease progression and mortality. There is a significant gap in studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions for symptoms relating to MND, such as pseudobulbar emotional lability and cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Future studies should use appropriate outcome measures that are reliable, have internal and external validity, and are sensitive to change in what is being measured (such as quality of life).

A multicentre evaluation of oropharyngeal secretion management practices in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Failure to clear oral secretions can be debilitating for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the treatment of this symptom is poorly defined and there is no consensus on best practice. The objective of this study was to identify the treatments that are commonly prescribed, and to describe how experienced clinicians manage a patient with treatment resistant symptoms. Twenty-three clinicians were approached, of which 19 from 16 centres across the UK provided case report forms for a total of 119 ALS patients identified as having problematic oral secretions. The use of five anticholinergics, salivary gland botulinum toxin injections, conservative management approaches and carbocisteine were reported. Of the 72 patients who were evaluated following the initiation of a first anticholinergic, 61% had symptomatic improvement. Only 19% of patients achieved symptomatic improvement with the use of an alternative anticholinergic when an initial anticholinergic achieved no symptomatic improvement. Problems with thick and thin secretions often coexisted, with 37% of patients receiving treatment for both types of problem. In conclusion, a variety of treatment options are employed by expert clinicians for problematic oral secretions in ALS patients. The variation in management highlights the need for further prospective research in this area.

Recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ALS is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, with no curative therapies available to date. Symptomatic and palliative care, provided in a multidisciplinary context, still remains the cornerstone of ALS management. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has advanced greatly over the past years, giving new hope for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we have reviewed the most recent studies that have contributed to improving both clinical management and our understanding of ALS pathogenesis.

Quo vadis motor neuron disease?

Motor neuron disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative condition that is invariably fatal, usually within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. The aetio-pathogenesis of MND remains unresolved and no effective treatments exist. The only Food and Drug Administration approved disease modifying therapy is riluzole, a glutamate antagonist, which prolongs survival by up to 3 mo. Current management is largely symptomatic/supportive. There is therefore a desperate and unmet clinical need for discovery of disease mechanisms to guide novel therapeutic strategy. In this review, we start by introducing the organizational anatomy of the motor system, before providing a clinical overview of its dysfunction specifically in MND. We then summarize insights gained from pathological, genetic and animal models and conclude by speculating on optimal strategies to drive the step change in discovery, which is so desperately needed in this arena.

Patient-reported problematic symptoms in an ALS treatment trial

This study was undertaken to determine which symptoms are perceived to be most problematic for patients with ALS and how their severity changes over time. A retrospective study was performed of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ceftriaxone in ALS. Participants completed the ALS Specific Quality of Life Instrument (ALSSQoL) at baseline and at intervals up to 96 weeks. Ten ALSSQoL items ask participants to rate how problematic symptoms are (the subjective feeling of burden of these symptoms), ranging from 0 (no problem) to 10 (tremendous problem). Six are non-bulbar (pain, fatigue, breathing, strength and ability to move, sleep, and bowel and bladder) and four are bulbar (eating, speaking, excessive saliva, and mucus). Results revealed that there were 82 subjects (56% males, mean age 53 ± 10.3 years) with ALSSQoL data for weeks 0 and 96. All 10 symptoms became more problematic over time. For non-bulbar symptoms, strength/ability to move and fatigue were the most problematic. Speaking was the most problematic bulbar symptom. In conclusion, although all the symptoms in the ALSSQoL were acknowledged as problematic, some had greater impact than others. All became more problematic over time. This should help prioritize research into symptom management, and assist individual clinicians in their approach to patient care.

A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Most Efficacious Dose of Botulinum Toxin-A for Sialorrhea Treatment in Asian Adults with Neurological Diseases

This study aims to determine the most efficacious dose of Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) in reducing sialorrhea in Asian adults with neurological diseases. A prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted over 24 weeks. Thirty patients with significant sialorrhea were randomly assigned to receive a BoNT-A (Dysport^®) injection into the submandibular and the parotid glands bilaterally via an ultrasound guidance. The total dose given per patient was either BoNT-A injection of (i) 50 U; (ii) 100 U; or (iii) 200 U. The primary outcome was the amount of saliva reduction, measured by the differential weight (wet versus dry) of intraoral dental gauze at baseline and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after injection. The secondary outcome was the subjective report of drooling using the Drooling Frequency and Severity Scale (DFS). Saliva reduction was observed in response to all BoNT-A doses in 17 patients who completed the assessments. Although no statistically significant difference among the doses was found, the measured reduction was greater in groups that received higher doses (100 U and 200 U). The group receiving 200 U of Dysport^® showed the greatest reduction of saliva until 24 weeks and reported the most significant improvement in the DFS score.

Challenges in the Understanding and Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neuron Disease

With the acceleration in our understanding of ALS and the related motor neuron disease has come even greater challenges in reconciling all of the proposed pathogenic mechanisms and how this will translate into impactful treatments. Fundamental issues such as diagnostic definition(s) of the disease spectrum, relevant biomarkers, the impact of multiple novel genetic mutations and the significant effect of symptomatic treatments on disease progression are all areas of active investigation. In this review, we will focus on these key issues and highlight the challenges that confront both clinicians and basic science researchers.

The use of botulinum toxin injections to manage drooling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease: a systematic review

Difficulty in managing oral secretions is commonly experienced by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) and associated bulbar weakness including dysphagia. There are no definitive evidence-based treatment guidelines to manage the distressing symptom of drooling. We reviewed the evidence for the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections to reduce saliva in ALS/MND. The search strategy was conducted in four stages: (1) electronic search of relevant databases, (2) hand searches of all international ALS/MND symposium journals, (3) email request to MND care centres in the UK and Ireland, and (4) hand searching of reference lists. All studies were critically appraised and relevant data extracted. Botulinum toxin type A and type B were analysed separately. Due to heterogeneity, it was not possible to calculate a pooled estimate of effect. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria (9 for type A and 3 for type B). Only two randomised controlled trials were identified. Study sample sizes were small with a mean of 12.5 subjects. The most frequently reported outcomes were weight of cotton rolls and number of tissues used. All studies claimed the intervention tested was effective, but only seven studies (4 for type A and 3 for type B) reported statistically significant differences. Although there is evidence to suggest that botulinum toxin B can reduce drooling, the evidence base is limited by a lack of randomized controlled trials. Evidence to support the use of botulinum toxin A is weaker. Larger trials will help remove the uncertainty practitioners face in treating this disabling symptom.

Sialorrhea: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins

Sialorrhea or excessive drooling is a major issue in children with cerebral palsy and adults with neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we describe the clinical features, anatomy and physiology of sialorrhea, as well as a review of the world literature on medical treatment using Yale University’s search engine; including but not limited to Medline and Erasmus. Level of drug efficacy is defined according to the guidelines of American Academy of Neurology. Current medical management is unsatisfactory. Topical agents (scopolamine and tropicamide) and oral agents (glyccopyrolate) combined render a level B evidence (probably effective); however, this treatment is associated with troublesome side effects. Double-blind and placebo-controlled studies of botulinum toxin (BoNT) provide a level A evidence for type B (two class I studies; effective and established) and both overall and individual B level of evidence for OnabotulinumtoxinA (A/Ona) and AbobotulinumtoxinA (A/Abo); these are probably effective. For IncobotulinumtoxinA (A/Inco), the level of evidence is U (insufficient) due to lack of blinded studies. Side effects are uncommon; transient and comparable between the two types of toxin. A clinical note at the end of this review comments on fine clinical points. Administration of BoNTs into salivary glands is currently the most effective way of treating sialorrhea.

Evidence of prescription of antidepressants for non-psychiatric conditions in primary care: an analysis of guidelines and systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Antidepressants (ADs) are commonly prescribed in primary care and are mostly indicated for depression. According to the literature, they are now more frequently prescribed for health conditions other than psychiatric ones. Due to their many indications in a wide range of medical fields, assessing the appropriateness of AD prescription seems to be a challenge for GPs. The aim of this study was to review evidence from guidelines for antidepressant prescription for non-psychiatric conditions in Primary Care (PC) settings.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from French, English and US guideline databases. Guidelines or reviews were eligible if keywords regarding 44 non-psychiatric conditions related to GPs' prescription of ADs were encountered. After excluding psychiatric and non-primary care conditions, the guidelines were checked for keywords related to AD use. The latest updated version of the guidelines was kept. Recent data was searched in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and in PubMed for updated reviews and randomized control trials (RCTs).

RESULTS

Seventy-eight documents were retrieved and were used to assess the level of evidence of a potential benefit to prescribing an AD. For 15 conditions, there was a consensus that prescribing an AD was beneficial. For 5 others, ADs were seen as potentially beneficial. No proof of benefit was found for 15 conditions and proof of no benefit was found for the last 9. There were higher levels of evidence for pain conditions, (neuropathic pain, diabetic painful neuropathy, central neuropathic pain, migraine, tension-type headaches, and fibromyalgia) incontinence and irritable bowel syndrome. There were difficulties in summarizing the data, due to a lack of information on the level of evidence, and due to variations in efficacy between and among the various classes of ADs.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescription of ADs was found to be beneficial for many non-psychiatric health conditions regularly encountered in PC settings. On the whole, the guidelines were heterogeneous, seemingly due to a lack of trials assessing the role of ADs in treatment strategies.