2.1.4. Measurement procedure
In all enrolled patients, drooling was measured objectively and
subjectively using standardized parameters.
2.1.4.1. Objective measure. The Drooling Quotient (DQ) was
measured in all children, by recording the presence or absence
of saliva every 15 s over a 10 min period. The Drooling Quotient
was expressed as a percentage of observed drooling occasions out
of 40 (the number of 15 s intervals in 10 min). Two measurements
(10-min each) were done by patient and averaged.
2.1.4.2. Subjective measures. Two methods were used. The first
method, The Drooling Severity and Frequency Score (DSFS) was
used to quantify the severity and frequency of drooling on a scale of
2 to 9. In this scale, parents or care givers were asked to rate the
severity and frequency of drooling, classifying severity of drooling
using a 5-level domain ranging from 1 (dry) to 5 (profuse drooling).
The frequency of drooling was classified using a 4-level domain
ranging from 1(no drooling) to 4 (constant drooling) (Table 2). The
second subjective measurement was the number of bib changes
due to excessive drooling throughout the day as reported by
parents or caregivers.