Salivary gland pathology as a new finding in Treacher Collins syndrome.

In our clinical experience, individuals with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) present with more complaints of oral dryness and higher caries activity than seen in the general population. A literature review identified no reports of salivary gland pathology and glandular dysfunction associated with TCS. Twenty-one Norwegian individuals with TCS underwent ultrasound examinations and salivary secretion tests of the submandibular and parotid glands. Intraglandular architecture patterns were analyzed and subsequently classified as either normal, dysplastic, or aplastic. The results were compared with salivary secretion rates and subjective reports of oral dryness. Ultrasound examination revealed pathological appearance of the salivary glands in approximately half (48%) of the individuals, with dysplasia identified in six (29%) participants and aplasia in four (19%). Almost all participants had co-existing low salivary secretion rates. A few individuals had low salivary secretion rates despite normal appearance of the salivary gland tissue on ultrasound examination. Subjective experience of oral dryness did not correlate significantly with low salivary secretion rates. We conclude that mild to severe salivary gland pathology and dysfunction can be associated with TCS. Further investigation is needed to clarify this association.

Drooling: are botulinum toxin injections into the major salivary glands a good treatment option?

There are several treatment options available for drooling; botulinum toxin injections into the major salivary glands are one. There is no consensus as to how many and which glands should be injected. A research project on this topic was terminated because of adverse effects. Individual results and the adverse effects are described and discussed in this article. Six individuals with cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups, with five individuals receiving ultrasound-guided injections to parotid and submandibular glands and one receiving injections to the submandibular glands only. Reduction of observed drooling was registered in 3, while 4 patients reported subjective improvement (Visual Analog Scale). Two participants reported adverse effects, including dysphagia, dysarthria, and increased salivary viscosity. Injections with botulinum toxin can be a useful treatment option but there is a risk of adverse effects. Multidisciplinary evaluation and informed discussions with patients/caregivers are important factors in the decision-making process.