The ins and outs of glycopyrronium treatment for paediatric drooling: exploring the treatment journey using real-world data

Introduction

Anticholinergic medication is an important treatment option for paediatric drooling. We explored the practical application of glycopyrronium, an anticholinergic medicine registered for the paediatric population, focusing on treatment patterns, effectiveness and impact, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and caregiver satisfaction.

Methods

A longitudinal, observational study was performed, including 22 children (3–18 years) newly treated with glycopyrronium for anterior and/or posterior drooling in our tertiary children's hospital between November 2020 and February 2024. We assessed a verbal numerical rating scale for drooling severity, Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), Measure of Performance and Satisfaction for Saliva Control (MPS), prevalence of ADRs, and dosage adjustments.

Results

At baseline, drooling was typically profuse and occurred frequently to constantly. The majority of children (86 %) took glycopyrronium thrice daily, with dose titration tailored to each child and medication primarily administered with food (56 %). A clinically important reduction in DSFS was observed in 53 % at the first follow-up appointment. Correspondingly, median MPS scores increased from 0.0 at baseline to 5.6 at follow-up (p < .001) (0 = not dry; 10 = perfectly dry), indicating improved saliva control in situations impacted by drooling. ADRs were reported in 73 %, leading to treatment cessation in 36 %, primarily due to gastrointestinal issues and behavioural changes.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the applicability of glycopyrronium under real-world conditions, complementing results from studies with more rigid designs. Insights into inter-individual differences in dose titration, timing of medication administration, and changes in effect or ADRs over time highlight the relevance of a tailored treatment approach.