The salivary proteome in relation to oral mucositis in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: a labelled and label-free proteomics approach.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is a frequently seen complication in the first weeks after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients which can severely affects patients quality of life. In this study, a labelled and label-free proteomics approach were used to identify differences between the salivary proteomes of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) recipients developing ulcerative oral mucositis (ULC-OM; WHO score ≥ 2) or not (NON-OM). METHODS: In the TMT-labelled analysis we pooled saliva samples from 5 ULC-OM patients at each of 5 timepoints: baseline, 1, 2, 3 weeks and 3 months after ASCT and compared these with pooled samples from 5 NON-OM patients. For the label-free analysis we analyzed saliva samples from 9 ULC-OM and 10 NON-OM patients at 6 different timepoints (including 12 months after ASCT) with Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA). As spectral library, all samples were grouped (ULC-OM vs NON-OM) and analyzed with Data Dependent Analysis (DDA). PCA plots and a volcano plot were generated in RStudio and differently regulated proteins were analyzed using GO analysis with g:Profiler. RESULTS: A different clustering of ULC-OM pools was found at baseline, weeks 2 and 3 after ASCT with TMT-labelled analysis. Using label-free analysis, week 1-3 samples clustered distinctly from the other timepoints. Unique and up-regulated proteins in the NON-OM group (DDA analysis) were involved in immune system-related processes, while those proteins in the ULC-OM group were intracellular proteins indicating cell lysis. CONCLUSIONS: The salivary proteome in ASCT recipients has a tissue protective or tissue-damage signature, that corresponded with the absence or presence of ulcerative oral mucositis, respectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in the national trial register (NTR5760; automatically added to the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform).

Patient satisfaction and impact of salivary flow rate on effectiveness of xerostomia products.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the types of products used to treat dry mouth and their perceived effectiveness, the relationship between salivary function and xerostomia symptoms, and whether salivary function predicts response to management strategies. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 87 patients with dry mouth and documented unstimulated whole salivary (UWS) and stimulated whole salivary (SWS) flow rates. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing dry mouth complaints and symptoms and effectiveness of specific dry mouth products. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 61.7 (12.9) years including 78 (90%) females. 47 (54%) participants had Sjögren's disease. Oral dryness symptoms (0-10 scale) rated highest with a mean (SD) of 7.2 (2.17); other symptoms scored from 3.4 to 5.1. Lower levels of UWS and SWS were associated with worse dry mouth and difficulty speaking, while lower levels of SWS flow alone were associated with greater difficulty swallowing and a decline in taste. More than half of the participants (55%, n = 48) reported using ≥4 dry mouth products. Participants with normal SWS flow had significantly better responses to lozenges and prescription products. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dry mouth and normal stimulated flow rates (i.e., residual salivary capacity) respond better to stimulatory products (parasympathomimetic and lozenges). Salivary flow rate assessments may help with recommendations of dry mouth products.

Dental Caries Postradiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) such as radiotherapy (RT) can lead to numerous acute and chronic head and neck sequelae, including dental caries. The goal of the present study was to measure 2-y changes in dental caries after radiotherapy in patients with HNC and test risk factors for caries increment. METHODS: Cancer and dental disease characteristics, demographics, and oral health practices were documented before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo after the start of RT for 572 adult patients with HNC. Patients were eligible if they were age 18 y or older, diagnosed with HNC, and planned to receive RT for treatment of HNC. Caries prevalence was measured as decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS). The association between change in DMFS and risk factors was evaluated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: On average, DMFS increased from baseline to each follow-up visit: 6 mo, +1.11; 12 mo, +2.47; 18 mo, +3.43; and 24 mo, +4.29 (P < 0.0001). The increase in DMFS during follow-up was significantly smaller for the following patient characteristics: compliant with daily fluoride use (P = 0.0004) and daily oral hygiene (brushing twice daily and flossing daily; P = 0.015), dental insurance (P = 0.004), and greater than high school education (P = 0.001). DMFS change was not significantly associated with average or maximum RT dose to the parotids (P > 0.6) or salivary flow (P > 0.1). In the subset of patients who had salivary hypofunction at baseline (n = 164), lower salivary flow at follow-up visits was associated with increased DMFS. CONCLUSION: Increased caries is a complication soon after RT in HNC. Fluoride, oral hygiene, dental insurance, and education level had the strongest association with caries increment after radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Thus, intensive oral hygiene measures, including fluoride and greater accessibility of dental care, may contribute to reducing the caries burden after RT in HNC. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how to minimize oral complications related to cancer therapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Identification of modifiable factors (e.g., oral hygiene and prescription fluoride compliance) associated with increased caries risk can minimize radiation caries burden.

Significant salivary changes in relation to oral mucositis following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The aim of this multicentre, longitudinal study was to determine salivary changes in relation to oral mucositis (OM) in multiple myeloma patients following high-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Unstimulated and stimulated whole-mouth saliva samples (UWS and SWS) were collected before ASCT, 1×/wk during the hospitalisation phase, and 3 and 12 months post-ASCT. During the hospitalisation period OM was scored 3×/wk (WHO system). Flow rate, pH, total protein concentration (Nanodrop), albumin, lactoferrin, neutrophil defensin-1 (HNP1), total IgA and S100A8/A9 (ELISA) were determined. Mixed models were used to evaluate differences between ulcerative (u)OM (≥2 WHO, n = 20) and non-uOM (n = 31) groups. Until 18 days after ASCT, flow rate, pH, total IgA and HNP1 levels decreased in UWS and/or SWS, while log lactoferrin levels were significantly increased (UWS: p = 0.016 95% CI [0.36, 3.58], SWS: p < 0.001 95% CI [1.14, 3.29]). Twelve months post-ASCT, salivary protein levels were similar to baseline except for log total IgA, which was higher (UWS: p < 0.001 95% CI [0.49, 1.29], SWS: p < 0.001 95% CI [0.72, 1.45]). No differences between uOM and non-uOM groups were observed. Changes in salivary proteins indicated an inflammatory reaction in salivary glands coinciding with mucosal and systemic reactions in response to high-dose melphalan.

Oral complications at 6 months after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine oral complications 6 months after modern radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with HNC receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy or more advanced RT. Stimulated whole salivary flow, maximal mouth opening, oral mucositis, oral pain, oral health-related quality of life (OH-QOL), and oral hygiene practices were measured in 372 subjects pre-RT and 216 subjects at 6 months from the start of RT. RESULTS: Mean stimulated whole salivary flow declined from 1.09 to 0.47 ml/min at 6 months (p < .0001). Mean maximal mouth opening reduced from 45.58 to 42.53 mm at 6 months (p < .0001). 8.1% of subjects had some oral mucositis at 6 months, including 3.8% with oral ulceration. Mean overall pain score was unchanged. OH-QOL was reduced at 6 months, with changes related to dry mouth, sticky saliva, swallowing solid foods, and sense of taste (p ≤ .0001). At 6 months, there was greater frequency of using dental floss and greater proportion using supplemental fluoride (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in RT techniques, patients with HNC experience oral complications 6 months after RT, with resulting negative impacts on oral function and quality of life.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the most abundant species detected in coronary and femoral arteries.

An association between oral bacteria and atherosclerosis has been postulated. A limited number of studies have used 16S RNA gene sequencing-based metagenomics approaches to identify bacteria at the species level from atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The objective of this study was to establish detailed oral microbiome profiles, at both genus and species level, of clinically healthy coronary and femoral artery tissues from patients with atherosclerosis. Tissue specimens were taken from clinically non-atherosclerotic areas of coronary or femoral arteries used for attachment of bypass grafts in 42 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Bacterial DNA was sequenced using the MiSeq platform, and sequence reads were screened in silico for nearly 600 oral species using the HOMINGS ProbeSeq species identification program. The number of sequence reads matched to species or genera were used for statistical analyses. A total of 230 and 118 species were detected in coronary and femoral arteries, respectively. Unidentified species detected by genus-specific probes consisted of 45 and 30 genera in coronary and in femoral artery tissues, respectively. Overall, 245 species belonging to 95 genera were detected in coronary and femoral arteries combined. The most abundant species were Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Finegoldia magna based on species probes. Porphyromonas, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus genera represented 88.5% mean relative abundance based on combined species and genus probe detections. Porphyromonas was significantly more abundant than Escherichia (i.e. 46.8% vs. 19.3%; p = 0.0005). This study provides insight into the presence and types of oral microbiome bacterial species found in clinically non-atherosclerotic arteries.

Oral candidiasis following steroid therapy for oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this multicentre study was to determine the incidence of oral candidiasis in patients treated with topical steroids for oral lichen planus (OLP) and to determine whether the application of a concurrent antifungal therapy prevented the development of an oral candidiasis in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 315 patients with OLP seen at four Oral Medicine practices treated for at least 2 weeks with steroids with and without the use of an antifungal regimen were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of oral fungal infection in those treated with steroid therapy for OLP was 13.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of oral candidiasis development in those treated with an antifungal regimen vs those not treated prophylactically (14.3% vs 12.6%) (P = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of various regimens, none of the preventive antifungal strategies used in this study resulted in a significant difference in the rate of development of an oral candidiasis in patients with OLP treated with steroids.

Sicca symptoms and their impact on quality of life among very long-term survivors after hematopoietic SCT.

The objective of this prospective cross-sectional case-control study was to examine the prevalence of dryness symptoms and its impact on quality of life (QoL) among very long-term survivors after hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in comparison with their respective sibling donors. Forty-four allogeneic HSCT recipients with a long-term survival (median: 17.5; range: 11-26 years) were included. Their respective, HLA-identical sibling donors served as controls. Clinical examinations included saliva flow rates (SFR) and the Schirmer's test. The presence of sicca symptoms of mouth, eyes and skin were inquired. The social functioning (SF)-36 questionnaire was applied. Recipients had lower (P<0.01) unstimulated and stimulated mean SFR than donors. Schirmer's test results <5 mm was found in 45% of the recipients in comparison with 27% of the donors (P = 0.07). Xerostomia (34 vs 4 subjects), xerophtalmia (23 vs 3) and dry skin (32 vs 12) were reported more often by the recipients than donors (P<0.001). Sicca symptoms and their objective findings correlated with QoL. The mean SF-36 scores of the donors were significantly higher than those of the recipients for physical component summary. In conclusion, sicca symptoms are common amongst long-term survivors of HSCT and affect remarkably the QoL.

Prevalence of oral lesions of autoimmune etiology in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral lesions of autoimmune etiology (OLAIE) in a cohort of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at the oral medicine practices of Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), Baylor College of Dentistry (BCD), and the University of Florida (UF). Each site performed a chart review of patients with well-characterized pSS. Clinical variables such as OLAIE, traumatic lesions, and medical conditions were compiled at each site. The association between clinical variables and the presence of OLAIE was then assessed for significance. RESULTS: We evaluated 155 patients diagnosed with pSS. Nineteen patients with pSS (12.3%) had an OLAIE. CMC reported 11 (21.2%) patients with OLAIE, while BCD and UF reported 4 (7.3%) and 4 (8.3%), respectively. Eleven of the 19 (58%) patients with OLAIE had lichen planus, 6 (32%) had aphthous stomatitis, 1 (5%) had chronic ulcerative stomatitis, and 1 (5%) had lesions of systemic connective tissue disease by immunofluorescence. CONCLUSION: The results of our analysis suggest that patients with pSS have a 12% prevalence of OLAIE with a wide range (7.3-21.2%) found between practices. This difference is likely related to the different screening protocols for oral dryness between sites.

Dental postoperative bleeding complications in patients with suspected and documented liver disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of bleeding complications following dental procedures in patients with known or suspected chronic liver disease and whether international normalized ratio (INR) determination could aid in predicting bleeding complications in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We identified 90 patients (mean age: 51 ± 9 years) in this retrospective chart review. Sixty-nine patients had a known history of chronic liver disease and 21 had suspected chronic liver disease. Descriptive statistics were determined. Independent sample t-test and one-way variance test were utilized for continuous variables and chi-square test for dichotomous variables. RESULTS: The mean INR value for all patients was 1.2 ± 0.3. The INR value was significantly associated with the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, the diagnoses of Hepatitis B and C together, the presence of ascites alone, and the number of clinical signs and symptoms (i.e. ascites, jaundice and encephalopathy) present. Nine patients with INR values between 1.5 and 2 underwent invasive dental procedures without postoperative bleeding complications. CONCLUSION: There were no episodes of postoperative bleeding in patients. The findings suggest that clinicians should not rely solely on an INR value to predict post-procedure bleeding in patients with liver disease.

An international survey of oral medicine practice: proceedings from the 5th World Workshop in Oral Medicine.

OBJECTIVES: (i) To define the current state of oral medicine clinical practice internationally, and (ii) to make recommendations for future modeling of the practice of oral medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was designed by an international panel of oral medicine experts to assess the current state of oral medicine practice internationally. The survey was sent to oral medicine experts across the world, and responses were electronically stored and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Two hundred respondents completed the survey representing 40 countries from six continents. The two most common settings for an oral medicine practice were in a hospital and a dental school. More than 88% of respondents considered management of oral mucosal disease, salivary dysfunction, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and facial pain in the definition of oral medicine. CONCLUSIONS: (i) Oral medicine clinicians diagnose and manage a wide variety of orofacial conditions; (ii) There are significant differences in the definition of oral medicine clinical practice from country to country; (iii) India has the largest expansion of oral medicine services as defined by escalating numbers of clinicians within the specialty as compared with other countries; (iv) oral medicine practitioners have a wide range of professional responsibilities.

A systematic review of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies: management strategies and economic impact.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to assess the literature for management strategies and economic impact of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies and to determine the quality of evidence-based management recommendations. METHODS: The electronic databases of MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles published in English since the 1989 NIH Development Consensus Conference on the Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies until 2008 inclusive. For each article, two independent reviewers extracted information regarding study design, study population, interventions, outcome measures, results, and conclusions. RESULTS: Seventy-two interventional studies met the inclusion criteria. In addition, 49 intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) studies were included as a management strategy aiming for less salivary gland damage. Management guideline recommendations were drawn up for IMRT, amifostine, muscarinic agonist stimulation, oral mucosal lubricants, acupuncture, and submandibular gland transfer. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies can be prevented or symptoms be minimized to some degree, depending on the type of cancer treatment. Management guideline recommendations are provided for IMRT, amifostine, muscarinic agonist stimulation, oral mucosal lubricants, acupuncture, and submandibular gland transfer. Fields of sparse literature identified included effects of gustatory and masticatory stimulation, specific oral mucosal lubricant formulas, submandibular gland transfer, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, management strategies in pediatric cancer populations, and the economic consequences of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia.

A systematic review of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies: prevalence, severity and impact on quality of life.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to assess the literature for prevalence, severity, and impact on quality of life of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies. METHODS: The electronic databases of MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles published in English since the 1989 NIH Development Consensus Conference on the Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies until 2008 inclusive. Two independent reviewers extracted information regarding study design, study population, interventions, outcome measures, results and conclusions for each article. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by 184 articles covering salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by conventional, 3D conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients, cancer chemotherapy, total body irradiation/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radioactive iodine treatment, and immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia are induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region depending on the cumulative radiation dose to the gland tissue. Treatment focus should be on optimized/new approaches to further reduce the dose to the parotids, and particularly submandibular and minor salivary glands, as these glands are major contributors to moistening of oral tissues. Other cancer treatments also induce salivary gland hypofunction, although to a lesser severity, and in the case of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the adverse effect is temporary. Fields of sparse literature included pediatric cancer populations, cancer chemotherapy, radioactive iodine treatment, total body irradiation/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy.

Incidence of acute oral sequelae in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this literature review was to assess the incidence of acute oral sequelae in children receiving cytotoxic therapy. METHODS: The dental literature was searched using 3 electronic databases--Cochrane, Medline, and Embase--from 1966 to 2006 and was limited to articles reporting acute oral sequelae in patients receiving chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and to individuals younger than 20 years old. RESULTS: Nineteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The overall incidence of acute oral sequelae in children was 54%. The incidence of oral sequelae was higher in children who received myeloablative therapy prior to bone marrow transplantation compared to those who received only chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The lock of consensus on what constitutes acute oral sequelae and on universally accepted assessment tools complicates the determination of incidence. Acute oral sequelae are frequent in children and the incidence appears to be comparable to adults.

Aspirin use and post-operative bleeding from dental extractions.

Aspirin is a common, chronically administered preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease, but is often discontinued prior to invasive dental procedures because of concern for bleeding complications. We hypothesized that aspirin does not cause increased bleeding following a single tooth extraction. Thirty-six healthy persons requiring a tooth extraction were randomized to receive 325 mg/day aspirin or placebo for 4 days. Cutaneous bleeding time (BT) and platelet aggregation tests were obtained prior to extraction. The primary outcome measure, oral BT, and secondary bleeding outcomes were evaluated during and following extraction. No significant baseline differences, except for diastolic blood pressure, were found between groups. There were no differences in oral BT, cutaneous BT, secondary outcome measures, or compliance. Whole-blood aggregation results were significantly different between the aspirin and placebo groups. These findings suggest that there is no indication to discontinue aspirin for persons requiring single-tooth extraction.

The oral mucosa as a therapeutic target for xerostomia.

Autoimmune disorders, medical interventions, and aging are all known to be associated with salivary gland hypofunction, which results in the uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) and significantly diminished oral health. The current therapeutic regimen includes increasing oral hydration using over-the-counter oral comfort agents and the use of systemic cholinergic drugs to stimulate salivary output. However, these approaches produce very transient relief or are associated with uncomfortable side-effects. Thus, new treatments that provide long-lasting relief from discomfort and improve oral health with minimal side-effects would benefit the therapy of this disease. The processes that mediate fluid loss from the oral cavity, such as the absorption of fluid from the oral mucosa, represent novel therapeutic targets for xerostomia. Preventing fluid absorption from the oral cavity is predicted to improve oral hydration and alleviate the clinical symptoms and discomfort associated with dry mouth. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies that prevent fluid absorption should complement current approaches that increase salivary output. This review discusses the current understanding of oral fluid balance and how these processes may be manipulated to provide relief for those suffering from dry mouth.

Randomized controlled trial of pilocarpine hydrochloride for the moderation of oral mucositis during autologous blood stem cell transplantation.

Pilocarpine hydrochloride has been reported to increase salivation and decrease oral mucositis in patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy, but there is only one report of its use in a cancer chemotherapy patient population. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to determine the efficacy of pilocarpine for the moderation of oral mucositis during autologous blood stem cell transplantation. Subjects were randomized to receive a 5 mg tablet of pilocarpine, or a placebo, during and following chemotherapy. Subjects were seen every other day and evaluated for gingival, oral, and oropharyngeal mucositis; nutrition; oral hygiene; eating; speaking; sleeping; pain at rest and/or with swallowing; and mouth dryness. We recorded the mean and highest scores and duration of problems, along with white blood cell counts and differentials, and the use of systemic narcotics for oral mucosal pain. We enrolled and randomized 36 subjects, and there were no statistically or clinically significant differences for the primary outcome of severity of mucositis and no clinically significant differences in any of the other outcome measures. Pilocarpine has no benefit for the moderation of the incidence, severity, or duration of mucositis in patients receiving autologous blood stem cell transplantation.

Oral manifestations in patients with aplastic anemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to characterize the prevalence and risks of oral complications in aplastic anemia (AA). STUDY DESIGN: Approximately 79 patients with AA (age, 37 +/- 17 years) and 66 control patients with schizophrenia (age, 33 +/- 12 years) were examined. Records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and radiographic information. Prior medical therapy, laboratory values, disease duration, and medical treatment response were noted for patients with AA. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated for oral manifestations in cases and in control subjects. Univariate analysis identified important variables for logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with AA presented more frequently with oral petechiae (OR = 49; 95% CI, 2.9-825), gingival hyperplasia (OR = 27; 95% CI, 1.6-463.5), spontaneous gingival bleeding (OR = 27; 95% CI, 1.6-463.5), and herpetic lesions (OR = 27; 95% CI, 1.6-463.5). Prior cyclosporine use was associated with gingival hyperplasia (P =.0001). No other predictors for oral manifestations or treatment outcomes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Oral soft tissue changes and infections were more common in patients with AA. Prior cyclosporine use was predictive of the presence of gingival hyperplasia.

Oral and craniofacial findings in Fabry's disease: a report of 13 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Fabry's disease is an X-linked metabolic disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. The purpose of this study was to assess oral and craniofacial findings in a cohort of patients with Fabry's disease to facilitate recognition of this condition and early treatment of its manifestations. STUDY DESIGN: This is a case series describing oral and craniofacial findings of 13 male patients diagnosed with Fabry's disease. Data were collected by means of a standardized questionnaire, clinical examination, panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: A variety of abnormalities are described, including an increased prevalence of cysts/pseudocysts of the maxillary sinuses (PCMs) and the presence of maxillary prognathism. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of oral and dental abnormalities, we recommend a thorough stomatologic evaluation of these patients.

Focal sialadenitis in patients with early synovitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of sialadenitis on lip biopsy in patients with synovitis of recent onset (ES), and see how sialadenitis relates to clinical and laborator findings of ES. METHODS: Joint involvement, laboratory measures and biopsies of the minor salivary glands were evaluated in 10 ES patients. Diagnosis at a one-year follow-up exam was noted. RESULTS: Six ES patients (60%) had a positive lip biopsy (mononuclear cell focus score greater than 1). ES patients with a positive lip biopsy presented with oligoarthritis, while ES patients with a negative lip biopsy had a more polyarticular presentation. No differences in laboratory measures between patients with a positive and negative lip biopsy were present. Seven ES patients had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and three had undifferentiated arthritis at the end of one year. CONCLUSION: ES patients had a higher than expected frequency offocal sialadenitis.