89 An evaluation of predictors for success of 2-duct ligation for drooling in neurodisabilities 4 parallel to the frenulum, and the submandibular duct was identified on both sides and exposed for approximately 1.5 cm. After sufficient exposure, the ducts were ligated using a disposable stapler applying two vascular clips per duct. Finally, the floor of mouth incision was closed using absorbable sutures. Patients received amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 7 days, and paracetamol and diclofenac for 5 days postoperatively. Outcome measures Measurements, assessing the objective and subjective outcomes, were made prior to surgery and 8 and 32 weeks after treatment. Specific clinical variables (e.g. posture, dental occlusion, oral motor functions, degree of disability) were gathered during the initial intake at the drooling clinic. Clinical variables and other patient characteristics were obtained from the medical records. Hypothesis Based on a thorough literature search and earlier studies of the same research group, the following 6 factors were hypothesized to contribute most to drooling severity: age, head posture, dental occlusion, tongue protrusion, control of voluntary movement functions, very severe speech disorder (VSSD) defined as either no speech, or anarthria or very severe dysarthria according to the Therapy Outcome Measure for Dysarthria (TOM-Dysarthria).9,2,10,12,3 A VSSD is either due to impaired oro-motor function (dysarthria), or due to insufficient cognitive capabilities. Measurements were obtained by specialized SLTs. Primary outcomes The primary aim of the study was to evaluate predictors of 2-DL treatment success, defined as ≥ 50% reduction in VAS and/or DQ from baseline to 32 weeks. VAS for severity of drooling during the past 2 weeks was rated by parents or caregivers on a line ranging from 0 (no drooling) to 100 (severe drooling) during each visit at the drooling clinic. The DQ is a validated, semi-quantitative observational outcome for measuring new saliva dripping over the lips during 15-second intervals, in a 5-minute standardized setting.13 In this study we report the DQwhich wasmeasured
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