Nuevas perspectivas de la radiología intervencionista en el tratamiento de la sialorrea mediante ablación química de las glándulas salivales

Abstract

Salivation is a physiological process dependent on the salivary glands. At rest, 70% of saliva is secreted by the submaxillary glands. However, under stimulation, salivary flow increases, up to five times, with the parotid gland being primarily responsible.Sialorrhoea is defined as a saliva emission disorder consisting of excess saliva production or the inability to retain saliva intraorally and swallow it. This condition is normal in children up to 15-18 months of age and is considered pathological when it occurs after the age of four years.The most common cause of sialorrhoea in paediatric patients is neuromuscular dysfunction, due to problems in neuromuscular coordination and swallowing.It is especially prevalent in children with cerebral palsy (CP).From a clinical point of view, patients may present peribuccal and chin region skin alterations, poor oral hygiene with a higher incidence of dental caries and a higher risk of pneumonia associated with aspiration mechanisms. It can also lead to psychological and social disturbances in the daily lives of patients and their families. The impact of hypersalivation on the patient's quality of life is the most important factor in defining the need for treatment...