Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cross-sectional Survey on Sialorrhoea

One of the major distressing symptoms related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is excessive drooling of saliva, also termed sialorrhoea. Evaluating its prevalence and severity among Indian patients with ALS is essential for understanding the magnitude and impact of the problem. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence and severity of sialorrhoea among individuals diagnosed with ALS. We also intended to assess the current pharmacological management practice for sialorrhoea in ALS patients.

Patients with ALS enrolled in the Neuropalliative Registry of a quaternary care centre for neurological disorders were included in the study. As part of routine follow-up, telephonic interviews were conducted with either the patients or their next of kin. The extent of sialorrhoea was assessed using the sialorrhoea scoring scale.

Seventy patients were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 51.8 (standard deviation [SD]-12.8) years. The majority were males (74.3%). The mean duration of illness was 21.6 (SD 15.7) months. The majority (80%) had limb onset ALS. Forty per cent of the patients in the study had some degree of sialorrhoea. Mild drooling was present in 15 patients (21.4%), moderate in 9 (12.9%), severe in 2 (2.9%) and profuse drooling in another 2.9% of patients. A total of 9 patients (12.9%) were receiving anticholinergic medication. Patients diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS had a significantly greater degree of sialorrhoea than those with limb onset presentation (P = 0.008). In addition, a longer duration of illness showed a positive correlation with the severity of sialorrhoea (r = 0.30, P = 0.012).

Sialorrhoea is a prevalent and clinically significant symptom in individuals with ALS. The severity of sialorrhoea is greater in patients with bulbar onset ALS and tends to increase with longer illness duration. A substantial proportion of patients may benefit from recommended treatment for excessive salivation and saliva-related issues. This study underscores the need for screening of distressing symptoms as sialorrhoea, in ALS patients. The treating teams need to have a heightened awareness regarding the same so that treatment options can be offered to the patients.