Treatment of drooling with sublingual atropine sulfate in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2017 May;75(5):282-287. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20170033.

Abstract

Objective: To report the effect of sublingual atropine sulfate to treat drooling in children with cerebral palsy by comparing the results of the Drooling Impact Scale in a non-controlled open clinical trial.

Results: Twenty-five children were assessed. The difference in the mean scores of the pre- and post-treatment scales reached statistical significance. There was a low frequency of side effects compared to studies with other anticholinergics.

Conclusion: The use of sublingual atropine sulfate seems to be safe and there is a reduction in the Drooling Impact Scale score, which suggests efficacy in the treatment of drooling in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Our results should be replicated in randomized, placebo-controlled studies with larger numbers of participants.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Adolescent
  • Atropine / administration & dosage*
  • Atropine / adverse effects
  • Cerebral Palsy / complications*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Sialorrhea / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Atropine