超声定位肌电图引导下A型肉毒毒素治疗重度流涎的临床观察

目的：评价A型肉毒毒素（BTX-A）治疗流涎的疗效。方法：选择流涎患者5例,其中帕金森病（PD）3例,脑梗死2例。采用教师流涎分级法（TDS）及流涎频率评分后于超声定位后肌电图引导下对患者腮腺和颌下腺进行BTX-A多点注射,于治疗前及治疗后2周、1个月和3个月时进行流涎测评。结果：TDS和流涎频率评分：BTX-A治疗前为（4.6±0.5）分和（3.0±0.0）分;BTX-A注射后2周降至（2.6±0.9）分和（1.6±0.5）分;1个月时为（2.8±1.1）分和（1.8±0.8）分,与治疗前比,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;3个月时为（3.2±1.3）分和（2.0±1.0）分,与治疗前比,差异仍有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。5例患者均无明显并发症出现。结论：BTX-A局部注射治疗流涎是一种安全、有效的新方法。     

Randomized trial of botulinum toxin injections into the salivary glands to reduce drooling in children with neurological disorders

The primary aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections into the submandibular and parotid glands on drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological disorders. Secondary aims were to ascertain the duration of any such effect and the timing of maximal response. Of the 48 participants (27 males, 21 females; mean age 11y 4mo [SD 3y 3mo], range 6-18y), 31 had a diagnosis of CP and 15 had a primary intellectual disability; 27 children were non-ambulant. Twenty-four children randomized to the treatment group received 25 units of BoNT-A into each parotid and submandibular gland. Those randomized to the control group received no treatment. The degree and impact of drooling was assessed by carers using the Drooling Impact Scale questionnaire at baseline and at monthly intervals up to 6 months postinjection/baseline, and again at 1 year. Maximal response was at 1 month at which time there was a highly significant difference in the mean scores between the groups. This difference remained statistically significant at 6 months. Four children failed to respond to the injections, four had mediocre results, and 16 had good results. While the use of BoNT-A can help to manage drooling in many children with neurological disorders, further research is needed to fully understand the range of responses.     

Treatment of sialorrhoea with ultrasound guided botulinum toxin type A injection in patients with neurological disorders

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound guided botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections into salivary glands for the treatment of sialorrhoea in patients with neurological disorders. METHODS: The parotid and submandibular glands of 10 patients were injected with BTX-A using ultrasound guidance. Before injection, the baseline rate of salivation was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Postinjection, assessments were repeated at regular intervals for up to 1 year. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients treated, nine (90%) reported a subjective reduction in salivation post-treatment and one patient (10%) found no improvement. Visual analogue scale scores showed a reduction of 55% in the mean rate of salivation for all patients and a reduction of 60.8% for the group of responders. No serious adverse events occurred and no procedure related complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report (1) the injection of BTX-A (BOTOX) into both parotid and submandibular glands, and (2) the use of ultrasound guidance during the administration of BTX-A into salivary glands. The results suggest that the technique is safe and that BTX-A injections are effective for the treatment of sialorrhoea in patients with neurological disorders.     

Prevalence and predictors of drooling in 7‐ to 14‐year‐old children with cerebral palsy: a population study

Aim To establish a prevalence estimate for drooling and explore factors associated with drooling in a population sample of children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 7 to 14 years living in Victoria, Australia. Method A self‐report questionnaire was used to collect data on drooling from parents of children born between 1996 and 2001, and registered with the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register. Results A total of 385 children (231 males, 154 females; mean age 10y 9mo [SD 1y 7mo], range 8–14y) were studied. The clinical type and distribution of CP were spastic (341), ataxic (16), dyskinetic (17), hypotonic (10), and unknown (1). Distribution in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels was I (103), II (98), III (52), IV (63), V (61), and unknown (8). After adjustment for topographical pattern of motor impairment and GMFCS level, 40% were reported to have experienced drooling between 4 years of age and the time of completing the questionnaire. A significantly higher prevalence of drooling was found in children with poor gross motor function and in those with more severe presentations of CP, including poor head control, difficulty with eating, and inability to sustain lip closure (p<0.001 for each). Drooling was shown to be significantly associated with both intellectual disability and epilepsy in this group of children (p<0.001 for both). Interpretation With a prevalence of 40%, drooling is an important comorbidity in CP. It was considered severe in 15% of children. Poor oromotor function was associated with drooling and could be the target of interventions for this under‐researched problem.     

Thickened saliva after effective management of drooling with botulinum toxin A

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the rheological properties of saliva after submandibular botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) injections. Method We enrolled 15 children (11 males and six females; age range 3–17y, mean age 9y 10mo) diagnosed with spastic (n=9) or dyskinetic (n=6) quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP); Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV or V; and two children with intellectual disability (IQ <70) who experienced moderate to severe drooling. Salivary flow rate and drooling quotient were measured at baseline and at different times after BoNT‐A injections up to 24 weeks. The mucin concentration of saliva was analysed before and after BoNT‐A treatment. Results Both submandibular salivary flow rate (baseline 0.38mL/min; 24wks after injection 0.26mL/min) and drooling quotient (baseline 42.5%; 24wks 28.80%) were substantially reduced, with a concomitant increase in mucin concentration within 8 weeks after BoNT‐A injection (from 0.612 to 1.830U/mL). The parents of nine children observed thickened saliva. Swallowing and chewing were problematic in seven children. Two of these children needed treatment with mucolytics because of pooling of thickened saliva in the throat. Interpretation When making decisions about the use of BoNT‐A, the risk of problems with masticatory and swallowing functions as a result of thickening of saliva after BoNT‐A treatment should be taken into account.     

Validation of a care and comfort hypertonicity questionnaire

The lack of evidence regarding functional and quality of life benefits resulting from tone reduction with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) infusion treatment relates to the lack of validated and responsive measures. We integrated our scale/questionnaire, developed from chart review, with the non-validated Caregiver Questionnaire (CQ) to yield a final document, the Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ). Convergent validity was achieved by administering the CCHQ to 47 patients with spastic/dystonic cerebral palsy (CP) who were being evaluated for tone management. The population studied included 18 females and 29 males (mean age 10y [SD 4y 10mo]; range 3y 1mo-21y 1mo). Twenty-five patients were subsequently referred for botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections (mean Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] 3.2); 11 patients were referred for ITB (mean GMFCS 4.4); four were referred for orthopedic surgery (mean GMFCS 3.3); 3 were referred for selective dorsal rhizotomy (mean GMFCS 2.7); one was recommended for oral baclofen (GMFCS 5); and three were recommended for no treatment (mean GMFCS 3.7). Blinded to the score, those with the highest scores (severe hypertonicity) were recommended for ITB; those with the lowest scores were recommended for BTX-A injections. Responsiveness of the CCHQ was established by administering the questionnaire to patients who already had an implanted ITB pump. The children with the largest dose increase demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the CCHQ score. This scale can be used to document the efficacy of treating severe hypertonicity both in clinical and research protocols.     

Diversity of participation in children with cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in activities outside school and to compare their participation with a large representative sample of children. A population-based survey was conducted of children with CP born in Victoria, Australia in 1994 and 1995. Of 219 living children identified, 114 (52.1%) returned completed surveys. The children (65 males, 49 females) were aged between 10 years 9 months and 12 years 9 months (mean age 11y 9mo, SD 6mo). Thirty-eight per cent had hemiplegia, 23% diplegia, 4% triplegia, 34% quadriplegia, and 1% was of unknown topography. Distribution according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was 22.8% Level I, 36% Level II, 10.5% Level III, 8.8% Level IV, and 21.9% Level V. Distribution according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was: 19.3% Level I, 38.6% Level II, 14.0% Level III, 8.8% Level IV, and 19.3% Level V. Participation was measured using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment. Participation in selected sport, cultural, and quiet leisure activities was compared with population-based data for 11-year-olds from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Children with CP undertook a median of 26.5 activities (interquartile range 10) in 4 months which were commonly informal rather than formal. Intensity of participation was low. Diversity and intensity of participation was similar for children in each level of the MACS and the GMFCS, except for participants in Level V. More children with CP participated in organized sports (p<0.001) compared with other Australian children, although with lower frequency (p<0.001). Participation diversity and level of intensity of Australian children with CP were similar to those reported in a Canadian study.     

Long‐term survival of children with cerebral palsy in Okinawa,Japan

Aim The aim of this study was to describe the survival prognosis of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Okinawa, Japan. Method A cohort study was conducted on all children with CP born between 1988 and 2005 in Okinawa, Japan. Survival proportions were determined with a life table and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted. The effect of each predictor variable was estimated using Cox regression analysis. Results This study included 580 children with CP (332 males, 248 females). In the cohort, 119 (20.5%) children were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, 65 (11.2%) were classified in level II, 40 (6.9%) in level III, 189 (32.6%) in level IV, 166 (28.6%) in level V and GMFCS level was unknown for one. Of the 34 children who died, 29 were classified in GMFCS level V and GMFCS level was unknown for one. Mean age at start of follow‐up was 24.5 months (SD 2.6mo); mean length of follow‐up was 8 years 8 months (standard error of the mean 0.214y). The 5 year‐ and 18‐year survival percentages of the entire cohort were 98% and 89% respectively. In children with CP, significantly lower survival rates were associated with multiple factors, including a birthweight of at least 2500g (p=0.009), a gestational age of at least 37 weeks (p=0.004), and the most severe gross motor limitation, GMFCS level V (p<0.001). However, multivariate analysis showed GMFCS level V was the only significant predictor variable (p<0.001) for survival of CP. Interpretation This study is the first to describe survival of children with CP in Japan. Our results are similar to those previously reported in other countries. These results are important in planning adequate provision of social and medical services for individuals with CP.     

Treatment of adductor spasticity with BTX-A in children with CP: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Adductor spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) impairs motor function and development. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized multicentre study, we evaluated the effects of botulinum toxin A(BTX-A) in 61 children (37 males, 24 females; mean age 6 years 1 month [SD 3y 1mo]) with CP (leg-dominated tetraparesis, n=39; tetraparesis, n=22; GMFCS level I, n=3; II, n=6; III, n=17; IV, n=29; V, n=6). Four weeks after treatment, a significant superiority of BTX-A was observed in the primary outcome measure (knee-knee distance 'fast catch', p=0.002), the Ashworth scale (p=0.001), and the Goal Attainment Scale (p=0.037).     

Botulinum toxin type B for sialorrhoea in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized trial comparing three doses

Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three doses of botulinum toxin type B (BoNT‐B) in reducing persistent sialorrhoea in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method Children with CP and refractory sialorrhoea were randomized to one of four groups: a control group and three experimental groups receiving a low (1500 mouse units [MU]), medium (3000MU), or high (5000MU) dose of BoNT‐B respectively, into bilateral salivary glands. Drooling was measured using the Thomas‐Stonell rating scale, and the weight and the number of bibs used per day were counted in all children at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks after BoNT‐B injection. Results Twenty‐seven children (15 males, 12 females; mean age 7y 10mo, SD 1y 6mo; range 5–15y) were randomized into a control (seven children: four males, three females) and experimental groups receiving low (six children: four males, two females), medium (seven children: four males, three females), and high (seven children: three males, four females) doses of BoNT‐B respectively. All children had mixed neurological disorders consisting of spastic paraparesis, tetraparesis, dystonic movements, and ataxia. Gross Motor Function Classification System levels ranged from III to V, and all children had moderate or severe intellectual disability. Estimated means with their standard errors (SEM) of drooling were at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks respectively, as follows: control group, 12.1 (2.1), 11.9 (2.1), 11.8 (2.2), p for trend 0.992; low dose group, 13.8 (2.3), 11.4 (2.3), 13.9 (2.3), p for trend 0.952; medium dose group, 13.9 (2.1), 6.7 (2.1), 7.1 (2.1) p for trend 0.008; and for the high dose group 14.4 (2.1), 5.0 (2.1), 5.6 (2.1), p for trend 0.002. Side effects included dense saliva, xerostomia, and difficulty in swallowing, and were more frequent in the high‐dose group. Interpretation A 3000MU injection of BoNT‐B into the salivary glands significantly improved the frequency and severity of sialorrhoea in children with CP. The lower dose was ineffective, and the higher dose produced no greater benefit and more side effects.     

Drooling in cerebral palsy: hypersalivation or dysfunctional oral motor control?

Aim  To investigate whether drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in general and in CP subtypes is due to hypersalivation.
Method  Saliva was collected from 61 healthy children (30 males, mean age 9y 5mo [SD 11mo]; 31 females, mean age 9y 6mo [1y 2mo]) and 100 children with CP who drooled (57 males, mean age 9y 5mo [3y 11mo], range 3–19y; 43 females, mean age 10y 1mo [4y 9mo], range 4–19y), of whom 53 had spastic, 42 had dyskinetic, and five had ataxic CP. Almost all children were affected bilaterally, and 90 of them were at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III or higher. The saliva was collected by the swab saliva collection method. The intensity of drooling was evaluated using the drooling quotient.
Results  No difference was found in the flow rates, age, or sex between healthy children and children with CP who drooled. On additional subgroup analysis, the flow rates of children with dyskinetic CP differed statistically from those of healthy children (submandibular p =0.047, parotid p =0.040).
Interpretation  This study supports the finding in previous studies that no hypersalivation exists in children with CP who drool. Dysfunctional oral motor control seems to be responsible for saliva overflow from the mouth, whereas increased unstimulated salivary flow may occur in children with dyskinetic CP as a result of hyperkinetic oral movements.     

Botulinum toxin versus submandibular duct relocation for severe drooling

Aim Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) has been described as an effective intervention for drooling and is being increasingly adopted. However, its effectiveness compared with established treatments is still unknown. We undertook a within‐participants observational study to examine this. Method An historic cohort was formed of 19 children and young adults (10 males, nine females) with severe drooling who underwent BoNT‐A injections followed by surgical re‐routing of the submandibular duct at least 6 months later. Mean age at time of admission was 11 years 5 months (range 5–17y) and mean age at the time of surgery was 14 years (range 6–23y). Fifteen children were diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP), three with unilateral CP, and one with non‐progressive developmental delay. Gross Motor Function Classification System levels were the following: level I, n=1; level II, n=2; level III, n=7; level IV, n=6; and level V, n=3). The primary outcome was the drooling quotient, which was assessed before each intervention and 8 and 32 weeks thereafter. A multivariate analysis of variance of repeated measures was performed, with the measurement points as the within‐participant variables. Results The drooling quotient was reduced to a greater extent after surgery than after BoNT‐A administration (p=0.001). Compared with a baseline value of 28, the mean drooling quotient 8 weeks after surgery was 10, and 32 weeks after surgery was 4 (p<0.001). Among the group treated with BoNT‐A, the drooling quotient showed a significant reduction from a baseline value of 30 to 18 after 8 weeks (p=0.02), and a continued but diminished effect after 32 weeks (drooling quotient 22; p=0.05). Interpretation Both interventions are effective, but surgery provides a larger and longer‐lasting effect.     

Self‐care and mobility skills in children with cerebral palsy,related to their manual ability and gross motor function classifications

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the acquisition of self‐care and mobility skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in relation to their manual ability and gross motor function. Method Data from the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) self‐care and mobility functional skill scales, the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were collected from 195 children with CP (73 females, 122 males; mean age 8y 1mo; SD 3y 11mo; range 3–15y); 51% had spastic bilateral CP, 36% spastic unilateral CP, 8% dyskinetic CP, and 3% ataxic CP. The percentage of children classified as MACS levels I to V was 28%, 34%, 17%, 7%, and 14% respectively, and classified as GMFCS levels I to V was 46%, 16%, 15%, 11%, and 12% respectively. Results Children classified as MACS and GMFCS levels I or II scored higher than children in MACS and GMFCS levels III to V on both the self‐care and mobility domains of the PEDI, with significant differences between all classification levels (p<0.001). The stepwise multiple regression analysis verified that MACS was the strongest predictor of self‐care skills (66%) and that GMFCS was the strongest predictor of mobility skills (76%). A strong correlation between age and self‐care ability was found among children classified as MACS level I or II and between age and mobility among children classified as GMFCS level I. Many of these children achieved independence, but at a later age than typically developing children. Children at other MACS and GMFCS levels demonstrated minimal progress with age. Interpretation Knowledge of a child’s MACS and GMFCS level can be useful when discussing expectations of, and goals for, the development of functional skills.     

Botulinum toxin injections for children with excessive drooling

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasonography-guided injections of botulinum toxin A into the parotid glands of children with severe drooling (sialorrhea). Excessive drooling is common in children with chronic neurologic disorders. Preliminary observations in adults suggest that injections of botulinum toxin A into the parotid glands can decrease drooling, but the optimal dose, sites of injection, and concomitant use of imaging during injections and its use for children have not been established. Ultrasonography was used to guide the injection of botulinum toxin (10-25 IU) into both parotid glands of nine children with excessive drooling. Subjective and objective measures of the severity of drooling were collected before and after botulinum toxin A injections. A booster injection was provided if the initial response was inadequate. Injections were well tolerated, and no adverse reactions were observed. Ultrasonography revealed that the parotid gland showed a variable depth, extent, and vascularization. Eight of nine patients needed a booster injection after 1 month. Objective measures of drooling severity were improved in seven of nine patients. However, subjective improvement was reported in only three of nine patients, and this improvement was functionally significant in only one patient. Although intraparotid injection of botulinum toxin A is safe and causes a reduction in saliva production in children, the doses used in this study did not result in functionally significant improvement. Higher doses of botulinum toxin A in the parotid glands or concomitant injections into the submandibular glands can increase the efficacy of these injections. Variability in size, depth, and vascular supply of the parotid gland suggests the importance of ultrasonography guidance for optimizing injections. These results underscore the need for further studies to establish the efficacy of this treatment in children.     

Adverse events and health status following botulinum toxin type A injections in children with cerebral palsy

Aim The aim of this study was to assess changes in health status before and after, as well as adverse events after, botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) injections in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method A total of 334 children (190 male; 144 female) aged 1y 6mo to 19y 4mo (mean 9y 2mo, SD 4y) with CP who were undergoing BoNT‐A injections (596 injection courses in total) were clinically audited over a 16‐month period. Of the 334 children, 62 were classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, 52 of whom had unilateral CP and 10 of whom had bilateral CP. Eighty‐six children were classified at GMFCS level II, 39 of whom had unilateral CP and 47 of whom had bilateral CP. Forty‐four children were classified at GMFCS level III, two of whom had unilateral CP and 42 of whom had bilateral CP. Sixty‐six of the 334 children were classified at GMFCS level IV and 76 as level V. All the children classified as level IV or V had bilateral involvement. The health status of the children in the month before and a prospective audit of health status and adverse events in the month after BoNT‐A injections were examined in order to assess the effects of the toxin. Results The data gathered for the month before administration of BoNT‐A indicated that children with CP had significant background morbidities. After injection of BoNT‐A, adverse events occurred in 23.2% of children. All adverse events were temporary and there were no deaths. Interpretation The results of this audit indicate that there is insufficient evidence to warrant restriction of the administration of BoNT‐A in children with CP at any GMFCS level in our service.     

Quantitative diffusion tensor tractography of the motor and sensory tract in children with cerebral palsy

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the findings of quantitative diffusion tensor tractography of the motor and sensory tracts in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developed comparison individuals, and also to evaluate the correlation with gross motor function. Method Thirty‐four children with CP (mean age 2y 2.mo, SD 2y 0mo; 19 with spastic diplegia, eight with hemiplegia, six with spastic quadriplegia, and one with spastic triplegia) and 21 healthy comparison children (mean 2y 1.68mo, SD 2y 8.64mo) were evaluated. The distribution of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels in the CP group was as follows: level I, 7; level II, 14; level III, 5; level IV, 3; and level V, 5. The following three diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters including tractography were evaluated for each tract (corticospinal tract [CST] and posterior thalamic radiation [PTR]): number of fibres, tract‐based fractional anisotropy, and region of interest (ROI)‐based fractional anisotropy. We compared each value between the two groups, and correlated each value with the GMFCS level. Results The number of fibres and ROI‐based fractional anisotropy values of both tracts were significantly lower in children with CP than in the comparison group (p<0.05–0.001). Additionally, there was significant negative correlation between GMFCS level and motor–sensory parameters (p<0.001–0.05). Interpretation DTI parameters of the CST and PTR in children with CP were significantly lower than in comparison children. In addition, these parameters were significantly correlated with GMFCS level.     

Oromotor dysfunction and communication impairments in children with cerebral palsy: a register study

Aim To report the prevalence, clinical associations, and trends over time of oromotor dysfunction and communication impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method Multiple sources of ascertainment were used and children followed up with a standardized assessment including motor speech problems, swallowing/chewing difficulties, excessive drooling, and communication impairments at age 5 years. Results A total of 1357 children born between 1980 and 2001 were studied (781 males, 576 females; median age 5y 11mo, interquartile range 3–9y; unilateral spastic CP, n=447; bilateral spastic CP, n=496; other, n=112; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level: I, 181; II, 563; III, 123; IV, 82; IV, 276). Of those with ‘early‐onset’ CP (n=1268), 36% had motor speech problems, 21% had swallowing/chewing difficulties, 22% had excessive drooling, and 42% had communication impairments (excluding articulation defects). All impairments were significantly related to poorer gross motor function and intellectual impairment. In addition, motor speech problems were related to clinical subtype; swallowing/chewing problems and communication impairments to early mortality; and communication impairments to the presence of seizures. Of those with CP in GMFCS levels IV to V, a significant proportion showed a decline in the rate of motor speech impairment (p=0.008) and excessive drooling (p=0.009) over time. Interpretation These impairments are common in children with CP and are associated with poorer gross motor function and intellectual impairment.     

Speech, expressive language, and verbal cognition of preschool children with cerebral palsy in Iceland

Aim The aim of this study was to describe speech, expressive language, and verbal cognition of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method A population study included 152 Icelandic children with congenital CP (74 males, 78 females; mean age 5y 5mo, range 4y–6y 6mo). Children who spoke in sentences, phrases, or one‐word utterances were categorized as verbal. Speech was classified as normal, mild dysarthria, or severe dysarthria. Cognition was reported as IQ (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised) or developmental quotient (DQ). Results Most children (81%) had spastic CP and bilateral symptoms (76%); 74 (49%) were at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, 27% at levels II and III, and 24% at levels IV and V (p<0.001). One hundred and twenty‐eight children (84%) communicated verbally whereas 24 were nonverbal. Nonverbal status and severe dysarthria were associated with greater motor impairment (GMFCS; p<0.001). Twenty‐five children (16%) had severe dysarthria. Most (88%) of the nonverbal children had multiple disabilities compared with 18% of the verbal group (p<0.001). Median (interquartile range) verbal IQ was 93 (73–104) and performance IQ 77 (61–94; p<0.001). Sixty‐eight children (45%) had normal verbal cognition and almost a quarter of the children with severe dysarthria had a full‐scale IQ/DQ of 70. Interpretation Most children with CP express sentences and almost half of them have normal verbal IQ. Nonverbal status frequently indicates multiple impairments whereas severe dysarthria may be associated with normal cognition.     

Gastrostomy feeding in cerebral palsy: too much of a good thing?

Gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with significant increases in weight gain and, potentially, with overfeeding. This study aimed to measure energy balance and body composition in children with CP who were fed either orally or by GT. Forty children (27 males, 13 females; median age 8y 6mo; range 1y 4mo-18y 11mo) with spastic quadriplegic CP, of whom 22 were gastrostomy-fed and 18 orally-fed, underwent anthropometry, indirect calorimetry, and total energy expenditure determination (doubly-labelled water method). Total body water content (estimated by the 18O dilution method) was used to determine body composition. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine the degree of motor impairment. GMFCS levels ranged from I to V; in the gastrostomy group 19 out of 22 were Level V and two out of 22 were Level IV. Within the orally-fed group, 11 out of 18 were Level V and four out of 18 were Level IV. Resting metabolic rate and total energy expenditure of the gastrostomy-fed children were lower but they had a significantly larger triceps skinfold thickness (p=0.01) and fat mass index (p=0.02) than the orally-fed children. Both groups had consistently higher body-fat content and lower fat-free (i.e. muscle and bone) content than the reference population of age- and sex-matched children without disabilities. This study has demonstrated the relatively low energy expenditure and high body-fat content of children with severe CP and highlighted the potential risk of overfeeding with available enteral feeds administered via GT.     

Does botulinum toxin decrease frequency and severity of sialorrhea in Parkinson's disease?

This study analysed if botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) decreases drooling in 21 Parkinson's disease patients. BTX-A injections were given in the parotid glands. The severity of drooling decreased in 18 (86%) patients, while frequency was reduced in 8 (38%). In 11(52%) patients, the frequency of drooling remained constant, which may reflect more difficulties in swallowing, compared to the group that presented such improvement. Future trials assessing the level of swallowing dysfunction may be important to establish a prognosis for patients who keep the frequency of drooling in spite of decreased severity after BTX injection.