Children with sialorrhoea in the absence of neurological abnormalities

To study the outcome of 21 typically developing children who had been referred to the Saliva Control Clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Information was collected on various aspects of the child's health, oromotor function and severity of drooling. A follow-up telephone survey was completed by the parents of these children after a mean period of 3.4 years. Information was gathered regarding their child's drooling, current health, oromotor status and the usefulness of the clinic.

There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01) in the saliva control measures analysed on follow-up. Thirteen children ceased to drool, three still drooled occasionally, and five continued to drool. The recommendations, mainly advice and referrals to other health professionals, were generally reported to be helpful by the parents.

This cohort of children was established retrospectively, and the study is therefore limited in both numbers and design. The results indicate that some typically developing children may be delayed in the development of saliva control. Parents and professionals can be reassured that this problem is likely to resolve.