Glycopyrrolate for drooling in children with medical complexity under three years of age

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine that Glycopirrolate is safe and effective in decreasing drooling in children with medical complexity under 3 years of age. Medical treatment is based on anticholinergic drugs as transdermal scopolamine, benzotropine and GLY. GLY (Glycopyrronium bromide) is a synthetic quaternary ammonium anticholinergic agent with poor blood–brain barrier penetration and consequently has limited central effects. Actually, the oral GLY formulation was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat drooling in children aged 3–16 years. Five studies reported on GLY use for the treatment of drooling in children with cerebral palsy and other conditions with neurological impairment; four are prospective studies while one a retrospective review. METHODS: this is a case report of eighteen children (sex ratio 11/8, median age 17 months, range 2–36 months) under three years of age, followed by a multidisciplinary team at the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital. The median follow-up was of 31.5 months (range 1–69 months). Response to treatment was assessed according to the Drooling Impact Scale administered at time 0 and after 1 month. All patients have an important neurological impairment: nine patients have a cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System class V) and nine a genetic/malformative syndrome. Twelve patients have a tracheostomy and two need mechanical ventilation. Gastrostomy is present in 16 out of 18 patients. All patients received Glycopirrolate. The median starting daily dose was 0.065 mg/kg/die (range 0.02–0.21 mg/kg/die) three times a day. The drooling impact scale was administered at time O and after 1 month. RESULTS: Four out 18 patients stopped treatment for adverse event, lack of efficacy or parental decision. The mean Drooling Impact Scale at time 0 was 89 (range 81–100) and after 1 month 61(range 43–78); the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The overall response to treatment was 94%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to determine the safety and effectiveness of Glycopyrrolate in decreasing drooling in a specific subset of patients. No major side effects were observed. Further comparative studies are needed to confirm our results.