Drooling quantification: Correlation of different techniques

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of the Drooling Quotient (DQ) score with the questionnaire-based Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) and the number of bib changes in a day. It is hypothesized that there is a significant positive correlation between these methods of assessment.

Methods: Using a prospectively collected database from a cohort of one hundred and fifty five children referred to our saliva management clinic, a comparison of the following three measurements was made to assess the level of correlation between them: (1) Drooling Quotient (DQ) (performed in two 10-min sessions), (2) Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) (as judged by parents or caregivers) (3) number of bib changes (as reported by parents or caregivers).

Results: The results showed that there is a high level of agreement between the Drooling Quotient and the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale. However, the Drooling Quotient and number of bib changes did not show significant correlation.

Conclusions: The Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) has been shown to be a quick and accurate measure of drooling that can be used to help guide clinical management of drooling, particularly in patients who are unable to undergo the Drooling Quotient assessment.

Keywords: Correlation; Drooling; Drooling Quotient; Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale; Number of bib changes.