Abstract |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Sialorrhea is a frequent problem in ALS patients with bulbar symptoms, because of progressive weakness of oral, lingual and pharyngeal muscles. This prospective study aimed to investigate the putative effect of palliative single-dose radiotherapy on problematic sialorrhea in patients with ALS. Twenty patients with ALS and problematic drooling were included; 14 were given radiotherapy with a single fraction of 7.5 Grey (Gy). Five patients were treated with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections (20 U) into the parotid glands; two of these were later given radiotherapy. Symptom assessment, clinical examination and measurements of salivary flow (ml/min) were performed before and after treatment (1-2 weeks, 3 months). Salivary secretion was significantly reduced after radiation treatment, with a mean reduction of 60% (1 week) and 51% (2 weeks). Three months post-treatment, 21% reduction of the salivary secretion was observed compared with salivation before treatment. Mean salivary flow was not reduced after BTX-A treatment in five patients. No serious side-effects were observed with either of the two treatment modalities. Single-dose radiotherapy (7.5 Gy) significantly reduces sialorrhea and is an effective and safe palliative treatment in patients with ALS.
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Authors | E Neppelberg, D F Haugen, L Thorsen, O-B Tysnes |
Journal | European journal of neurology
(Eur J Neurol)
Vol. 14
Issue 12
Pg. 1373-7
(Dec 2007)
ISSN: 1468-1331 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 17941851
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(complications, physiopathology)
- Botulinum Toxins, Type A
(administration & dosage)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Parotid Gland
(physiopathology, radiation effects)
- Preoperative Care
- Prospective Studies
- Radiation Dosage
- Radiotherapy
(methods)
- Salivary Glands
(physiopathology, radiation effects)
- Sialography
- Sialorrhea
(etiology, physiopathology, radiotherapy)
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Treatment Outcome
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