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Salivary Gland Botulinum Toxin a Injections for Treating Sialorrhea Among Critically Ill Patients With Neurological Disorders

Fazila Aseem, Kayla E. John, Daniel D King, M. Sklerov, D. Roque, N. Browner, Julia M. Carlson

The Neurohospitalist, 2025

Abstract

Background: Sialorrhea is associated with various neurological conditions. Among critically ill patients with acute neurological injuries (ANI), sialorrhea leads to several adverse consequences, including extubation failure, inability to initiate non-invasive ventilation, aspiration pneumonia and prolonged hospitalization. Botulinum toxin (BoTN) injections can reduce salivary production. Both BoTN-A and BoTN-B are effective in managing sialorrhea among patients with neurogenic dysphagia. BoTN utilization for sialorrhea in critically ill adult ANI patients is not well-studied. Purpose: The purpose of this study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using BoTN-A salivary injections to reduce sialorrhea in ANI patients. Research Design: In this case series, we retrospectively reviewed the off-label use of BoTN-A for sialorrhea in ANI patients at the University of North Carolina Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit. Study Sample: Six patients with ANI who received BoTNA treatment for neurogenic sialorrhea in absence of infection and medications with known side-effect of sialorrhea. Data Collection: For safety evaluation, we reviewed any documented adverse effects of BoTN-A injection. For efficacy, we evaluated the drooling severity, suctioning frequency, oxygen requirements, continued days on the ventilator, and pneumonia diagnoses. Results: All patients had reduction in their documented drooling and suctioning requirements following BoTN-A injection. None had adverse events…

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