{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: The when, why, and how of using glycopyrronium to diminish drooling in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities: Implications for clinical practice.
{Author}: Orriëns LB;van der Burg JJW;van den Hoogen FJA;Willemsen MAAP;van Hulst K;Erasmus CE;
{Journal}: Eur J Paediatr Neurol
{Volume}: 51
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 May 16
{Factor}: 3.692
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.05.004
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Despite the established efficacy of glycopyrronium bromide in reducing drooling among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, evidence on its impact on the daily lives of children and parents and effectiveness in a real-world setting are scarce, especially among long-term users. This study explored timing and duration of glycopyrronium treatment, effect and impact on daily life, and occurrence of side effects to inform clinical practice.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This was a retrospective cohort study at a national referral centre for drooling, including 61 children with nonprogressive neurodevelopmental disabilities, treated with glycopyrronium for anterior and/or posterior drooling between 2011 and 2021. Data were obtained from medical records and supplemented by structured telephone interviews with parents.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Anterior drooling severity decreased in 82% of the included children. Changes in the impact of drooling on burden of care, social interaction, and self-esteem were reported in 55%, 31%, and 36%, respectively. Side effects were noted for 71% of cases, yet only 36% of parents deemed these as outweighing the positive impact of treatment. A substantial majority (77%) of the included children were long-term users (≥6 months). Among these, 38% of parents reported decreasing effectiveness and 27% noticed more prominent side effects over time.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Glycopyrronium demonstrated potential in mitigating the impact of drooling on daily life, although variations were observed in the specific aspects and extent of improvement. The real-world context of our study provides important insights for refining clinical practices, emphasizing the need for balanced consideration of treatment benefits and potential side effects to facilitate shared decision-making.