Efficacy and safety of remibrutinib, a selective potent oral BTK inhibitor, in Sjögren's syndrome: results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of remibrutinib in patients with moderate-to-severe Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) in a phase 2 randomised, double-blind trial (NCT04035668; LOUiSSE (LOU064 in Sjögren's Syndrome) study). METHODS: Eligible patients fulfilling 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria for SjS, positive for anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A antibodies, with moderate-to-severe disease activity (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) (based on weighted score) ≥ 5, EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) ≥ 5) received remibrutinib (100 mg) either one or two times a day, or placebo for the 24-week study treatment period. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in ESSDAI at week 24. Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in ESSDAI over time, change from baseline in ESSPRI over time and safety of remibrutinib in SjS. Key exploratory endpoints included changes to the salivary flow rate, soluble biomarkers, blood transcriptomic and serum proteomic profiles. RESULTS: Remibrutinib significantly improved ESSDAI score in patients with SjS over 24 weeks compared with placebo (ΔESSDAI -2.86, p=0.003). No treatment effect was observed in ESSPRI score (ΔESSPRI 0.17, p=0.663). There was a trend towards improvement of unstimulated salivary flow with remibrutinib compared with placebo over 24 weeks. Remibrutinib had a favourable safety profile in patients with SjS over 24 weeks. Remibrutinib induced significant changes in gene expression in blood, and serum protein abundance compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: These data show preliminary efficacy and favourable safety of remibrutinib in a phase 2 trial for SjS.

Identification of Salivary Metabolic Signatures Associated with Primary Sjögren's Disease.

Sjögren's disease (SjD) is the second most prevalent autoimmune disorder that involves chronic inflammation of exocrine glands. Correct diagnosis of primary SjD (pSjD) can span over many years since disease symptoms manifest only in advanced stages of salivary and lachrymal glandular destruction, and consensus diagnostic methods have critical sensitivity and selectivity limitations. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we determined the composition of metabolites in unstimulated saliva samples from 30 pSjD subjects and 30 participants who do not have Sjögren's disease (non-Sjögren's control group, NS-C). Thirty-four metabolites were quantified in each sample, and analysis was conducted on both non-normalized (concentration) and normalized metabolomics data from all study participants (ages 23-78) and on an age-restricted subset of the data (ages 30-70) while applying false discovery rate correction in determining data significance. The normalized data of saliva samples from all study participants, and of the age-restricted subset, indicated significant increases in the levels of glucose, glycerol, taurine, and lactate, as well as significant decreases in the levels of 5-aminopentanoate, acetate, butyrate and propionate, in subjects with pSjD compared to subjects in the NS-C group. Additionally, a significant increase in choline was found only in the age-restricted subset, and a significant decrease in fucose was found only in the whole study population in normalized data of saliva samples from the pSjD group compared to the NS-C group. Metabolite concentration data of saliva samples from all study participants, but not from the age-restricted subset, indicated significant increases in the levels of glucose, glycerol, taurine, and lactate in subjects with pSjD compared to controls. The study showed that NMR metabolomics can be implemented in defining salivary metabolic signatures that are associated with disease status, and can contribute to differential analysis between subjects with pSjD and those who are not affected with this disease, in the clinic.

Assessment of the anti-CD40 antibody iscalimab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that presents as dryness of the mouth and eyes due to impairment of the exocrine glands. To our knowledge, no systemic therapies for primary Sjögren's syndrome have shown efficacy. CD40-CD154-mediated T cell-B cell interactions in primary Sjögren's syndrome contribute to aberrant lymphocyte activation in inflamed tissue, leading to sialadenitis and other tissue injury. Therefore, we investigated the safety and preliminary efficacy of iscalimab (CFZ533), a novel anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody, in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study took place at ten investigational sites across Europe (UK, n=4; Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary, n=1 each) and the USA (n=3). Eligible patients were aged 18-75 years and fulfilled the 2002 American European consensus group diagnostic classification criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome. In the double-blind phase of the trial, patients were randomly assigned (2:1) via computer-generated unique randomisation numbers to receive subcutaneous iscalimab (3 mg/kg) or placebo at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 8 (cohort 1) or intravenous iscalimab (10 mg/kg) or placebo at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 8 (cohort 2). Randomisation was stratified according to baseline intake of oral corticosteroids. At week 12, patients in both cohorts received open-label iscalimab (same dose and route) for 12 weeks. The primary objectives of the study were to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of multiple doses of iscalimab in the two sequential dose cohorts. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events and efficacy of iscalimab versus placebo was assessed by clinical disease activity, as measured by the change in European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) score after 12 weeks of treatment. Analyses were done on a per-protocol basis. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02291029. FINDINGS: Between Oct 22, 2014, and June 28, 2016, we assessed 82 patients for eligibility (25 for cohort 1 and 57 for cohort 2). 38 patients were excluded because of ineligibility. In cohort 1, 12 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 3 mg/kg doses of iscalimab (n=8) or placebo (n=4), and in cohort 2, 32 patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous 10 mg/kg doses of iscalimab (n=21) or placebo (n=11). Adverse events were similar between iscalimab treatment groups and placebo groups, with adverse events occurring in all patients in cohort 1, and in 52% and 64% of the iscalimab and placebo groups, respectively, in cohort 2. Two serious adverse events were reported (one case of bacterial conjunctivitis in cohort 1 and one case of atrial fibrillation in cohort 2), which were unrelated to treatment with iscalimab. Intravenous treatment with iscalimab resulted in a mean reduction of 5·21 points (95% CI 0·96-9·46; one-sided p=0·0090) in ESSDAI score compared with placebo. There was no signficiant difference in ESSDAI score between subcutaneous iscalimab and placebo. INTERPRETATION: To our knowledge, this is the first randomised, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept study of a new investigational drug for primary Sjögren's syndrome that indicates preliminary efficacy. Our data suggest a role of CD40-CD154 interactions in primary Sjögren's syndrome pathology and the therapeutic potential for CD40 blockade in this disease should be investigated further. FUNDING: Novartis Pharma.

Prevention of Opioid-Induced Nausea and Vomiting During Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acute Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing CL-108 (Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/Acetaminophen 325 mg/Rapid-Release, Low-Dose Promethazine 12.5 mg) with Conventional Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/Acetaminophen 325 mg.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevention of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV) and the relief of moderate to severe acute pain by CL-108, a novel drug combining a low-dose antiemetic (rapid-release promethazine 12.5 mg) with hydrocodone 7.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg (HC/APAP) was used. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled multidose study. After surgical extraction of two or more impacted third molar teeth (including at least one mandibular impaction), 466 patients with moderate to severe pain (measured on a categorical pain intensity scale [PI-CAT]) were randomized to CL-108, HC/APAP, or placebo. Over the next 24 hours, patients used the PI-CAT to assess pain at regular intervals whereas nausea, vomiting, and other opioid-related side effects were also assessed prospectively. Study medications were taken every four to six hours as needed; supplemental rescue analgesic and antiemetic medications were permitted. Co-primary end points were the incidence of OINV and the time-weighted sum of pain intensity differences over 24 hours (SPID24). RESULTS: Relative to HC/APAP treatment alone, CL-108 treatment reduced OINV by 64% (P < 0.001). Treatment with CL-108 significantly reduced pain intensity compared with placebo (SPID24 = 16.2 vs 3.5, P < 0.001). There were no unexpected or serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: CL-108 is a safe and effective combination analgesic/antiemetic for the prevention of OINV during treatment of moderate to severe acute pain.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Primary and Secondary Sjögren Syndrome.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that women with primary (pSS) and secondary Sjögren syndrome (sSS; with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] or rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). We sought to test our hypothesis. METHODS: Subjects with pSS, sSS + SLE, sSS + RA, and non-SS-related MGD were recruited from the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation or outpatient clinics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine or Brigham and Women's Hospital. The control population was recruited from the Greater Boston area. After providing written informed consent, the subjects underwent an eye examination and/or completed two questionnaires that assess symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that pSS and sSS patients have MGD. These subjects had meibomian gland orifice metaplasia, an increased number of occluded meibomian gland orifices, and a reduced quality of meibomian gland secretions. Further, patients with pSS, sSS + SLE, sSS + RA, and MGD had significant alterations in their tear film, lid margin, cornea, and conjunctiva. Symptoms of DED were increased ∼10-fold in all pSS, sSS, and MGD groups relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support our hypothesis and show that individuals with pSS, sSS + SLE, and sSS + RA have MGD. In addition, our study indicates that patients with pSS and sSS have both aqueous-deficient and evaporative DED.

Characterization of cognitive dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting women, with decreased saliva and tear production as the principal characteristic. Cognitive, neurological, and psychiatric disorders also are associated with Sjögren's. The present study addressed the hypothesis that patients with Sjögren's syndrome differ significantly from matched controls in the prevalence and impact of a number of neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Sjögren's patients and controls (n = 37 per group) underwent medical and psychiatric evaluation, demographic assessments, quality of life and symptom evaluation, and extensive testing of cognitive function and memory. Patients and controls were closely matched for age, gender distribution, verbal IQ, marital status, educational level, employment status, and current/past medical or psychiatric history. On most subjective self-ratings, Sjögren's patients reported greater fatigue, impaired physical functioning, feeling depressed, and autonomic symptomatology compared to controls. Impaired memory was described mainly as loss of thought continuity in the midst of a task or activity. However, the majority of objective measures of cognition, psychomotor function, and memory showed minimal differences between groups. Sjögren's patients rate themselves as impaired on multiple ratings of emotional, cognitive, and physical function, but objective measures of cognition reveal fewer substantive differences between patients and matched controls. Sjögren's patients perceive deteriorated physical function over time, but they achieve a level of functioning comparable to controls despite the burden of their illness.

Effect of omega-3 and vitamin E supplementation on dry mouth in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

To determine whether omega-3 (n-3) increases saliva production in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, 61 patients with Sjögren's received either wheat germ oil (n = 23) or n-3 supplement (TheraTears Nutrition®) (n = 38) in a prospective, randomized, double-masked trial. The outcomes assessed were salivary secretion and markers for oral inflammation. The differences between the n-3 group and wheat germ oil group were not statistically significant for either unstimulated (US) or stimulated (SS) salivary secretion (p= 0.38 and p= 0.346, respectively) nor for the number of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm (p= 0.834). In this pilot study, supplementation with n-3 was not found to be significantly better than wheat germ oil in stimulating saliva production in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Design of the Prevention of Adult Caries Study (PACS): a randomized clinical trial assessing the effect of a chlorhexidine dental coating for the prevention of adult caries.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the primary causes of tooth loss among adults. It is estimated to affect a majority of Americans aged 55 and older, with a disproportionately higher burden in disadvantaged populations. Although a number of treatments are currently in use for caries prevention in adults, evidence for their efficacy and effectiveness is limited. METHODS/DESIGN: The Prevention of Adult Caries Study (PACS) is a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of a chlorhexidine (10% w/v) dental coating in preventing adult caries. Participants (n = 983) were recruited from four different dental delivery systems serving four diverse communities, including one American Indian population, and were randomized to receive either chlorhexidine or a placebo treatment. The primary outcome is the net caries increment (including non-cavitated lesions) from baseline to 13 months of follow-up. A cost-effectiveness analysis also will be considered. DISCUSSION: This new dental treatment, if efficacious and approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), would become a new in-office, anti-microbial agent for the prevention of adult caries in the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00357877.

Long-term clinical observation of dental caries in salivary hypofunction patients using a supersaturated calcium-phosphate remineralizing rinse.

OBJECTIVE: One therapeutic approach to the management of xerostomia and its related oral sequelae is the use of a supersaturated Ca2+/PO4(3-) rinse in conjunction with fluoride. This study evaluated the use of the supersaturated rinse in high-risk patients from a single dental clinic. METHODS: Patients (n = 134) at high risk for caries due to xerostomia were prescribed the calcium phosphate rinse and 1.1% NaF for daily use, and were evaluated for caries incidence over an average observation period of five years. All patients were instructed to use the rinse three to four times a day, depending on the severity of dryness of the mouth and rate of salivary flow. Compliance, or regular use of the rinse, was determined through monitoring by staff at each visit, a self-administered clinic questionnaire pertaining to usage of the rinse, and records from a single hospital pharmacy that supplied the rinse to all participating patients. Those patients who were found to typically use the remineralizing solution at least once a day during the entire follow-up period were classified as compliant. All individual surfaces at risk for caries (SAR) were examined and recorded at each visit to determine changes in average SAR per patient RESULTS: Patients who regularly used the supersaturated rinse, along with commercially available prescription sodium fluoride, were found to experience a significant increase in reversals of caries, and a significant decrease in net coronal and root surface caries increment. The mean for the compliant group was 0.034 (SD 0.303), and the non-compliant mean was 0.315 (SD 0.735) with p > 0.0001 per surfaces/month. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that long-term compliance with the daily supersaturated rinse was protective against caries progression in a high-risk population.

Placebo-controlled clinical trial of use of 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips for medication-induced xerostomia.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of peroxide-containing strip-based tooth whitening among subjects with medication-induced hyposalivation. METHODS: Eligibility for this tooth whitening study was limited to dentate adults taking xerogenic medications with an unstimulated salivary flow < or = 0.2 ml/min. After giving informed consent, 42 subjects were randomized using a 2:1 ratio to 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips (Crest Whitestrips Premium) or placebo strips without peroxide. Strips were used for 30 min twice daily for a 14-day period. Usage was unsupervised, and only the maxillary arch was treated. On days 8 and 15, efficacy was assessed from standard digital images of the anterior dentition and quantified using the Cielab color system, while safety was assessed from interviews and clinical examinations. RESULTS: At day 8, the peroxide group experienced significant (p < 0.001) color improvement relative to baseline and placebo. Adjusted means +/- standard errors for yellowness reduction were -1.65 +/- 0.115 units for the peroxide group and -0.32 +/- 0.170 units for the placebo group. For the increase in lightness, adjusted means +/- standard errors on day 8 were 1.53 +/- 0.130 units for the peroxide group and 0.37 +/- 0.191 units for the controls. Continued strip use through day 15 yielded incremental color improvement for the peroxide group. Mild and transient tooth sensitivity represented the most common adverse events. No subject discontinued treatment due to a product-related adverse event. CONCLUSION: Twice daily use of 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips by adults with medication-induced xerostomia was well tolerated, with significant tooth color improvement evident within 7 days.

Reversal of soft-tissue local anesthesia with phentolamine mesylate in adolescents and adults.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted two multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled Phase III clinical trials to study the efficacy and safety of phentolamine mesylate (PM) in shortening the duration and burden of soft-tissue anesthesia. The study involved 484 subjects who received one of four commercially available local anesthetic solutions containing vasoconstrictors for restorative or scaling procedures. METHODS: On completion of the dental procedure, subjects randomly received a PM or a sham injection (an injection in which a needle does not penetrate the soft tissue) in the same site as the local anesthetic injection. The investigators measured the duration of soft-tissue anesthesia by using standardized lip- and tongue-tapping procedures every five minutes for five hours. They also evaluated functional measures and subject-perceived altered function, sensation, appearance and safety. RESULTS: Median recovery times in the lower lip and tongue for subjects in the PM group were 70 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. Median recovery times in the lower lip and tongue for subjects in the sham group were 155 minutes and 125 minutes, respectively. Upper lip median recovery times were 50 minutes for subjects in the PM group and 133 minutes for subjects in the sham group. These differences were significant (P < .0001). Recovery from actual functional deficits and subject-perceived altered function, sensation and appearance also showed significant differences between the PM and the sham groups. CONCLUSIONS: PM was efficacious and safe in reducing the duration of local anesthetic- induced soft-tissue numbness and its associated functional deficits. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians can use PM to accelerate reversal of soft-tissue anesthesia and the associated functional deficits.

Reversal of soft-tissue local anesthesia with phentolamine mesylate in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of a formulation of phentolamine mesylate (PM) as a local anesthesia reversal agent for pediatric patients. METHODS: A total of 152 pediatric subjects received injections of local anesthetic with 2 percent lidocaine and 1:100,000 epinephrine before undergoing dental procedures. The authors then randomized subjects to receive a PM injection or a control injection (sham injection in which a needle does not penetrate the tissue) in the same sites as the local anesthetic was administered in a 1:1 cartridge ratio after the procedure was completed. Over a two- to-four-hour period, they measured the duration of soft-tissue anesthesia and evaluated vital signs, pain and adverse events. RESULTS: The median recovery time to normal lip sensation was 60 minutes for the subjects in the PM group versus 135 minutes for subjects in the control group. The authors noted no differences in adverse events, pain, analgesic use or vital signs, and no subjects failed to complete the study. CONCLUSIONS: PM was well-tolerated and safe in children 4 to 11 years of age, and it accelerated the reversal of soft-tissue local anesthesia after a dental procedure in children 6 to 11 years of age. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PM can help dental clinicians shorten the post-treatment duration of soft-tissue anesthesia and can reduce the number of posttreatment lip and tongue injuries in children.

Pharmacokinetics of lidocaine with epinephrine following local anesthesia reversal with phentolamine mesylate.

Phentolamine mesylate accelerates recovery from oral soft tissue anesthesia in patients who have received local anesthetic injections containing a vasoconstrictor. The proposed mechanism is that phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, blocks the vasoconstriction associated with the epinephrine used in dental anesthetic formulations, thus enhancing the systemic absorption of the local anesthetic from the injection site. Assessments of the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and phentolamine, and the impact of phentolamine on the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine with epinephrine were performed to characterize this potentially valuable strategy. The blood levels of phentolamine were determined following its administration intraorally and intravenously. Additionally, the effects of phentolamine mesylate on the pharmacokinetics of intraoral injections of lidocaine with epinephrine were evaluated. Sixteen subjects were enrolled in this phase 1 trial, each receiving 4 drug treatments: 1 cartridge lidocaine/epinephrine followed after 30 minutes by 1 cartridge phentolamine (1L1P), 1 cartridge phentolamine administered intravenously (1Piv), 4 cartridges lidocaine/epinephrine followed after 30 minutes by 2 cartridges phentolamine (4L2P), and 4 cartridges lidocaine/epinephrine followed by no phentolamine (4L). Pharmacokinetic parameters estimated for phentolamine, lidocaine, and epinephrine included peak plasma concentration (Cmax), time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to the last time point (AUClast) or from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf), elimination half-life (t1/2), clearance (CL), and volume of distribution (Vd). The phentolamine Tmax occurred earlier following the intravenous administration of 1Piv (7 minutes than following its submucosal administration in treatment 1L1P (15 minutes) or 4L2P (11 minutes). The phentolamine t1/2, CL, and Vd values were similar for 1L1P, 1Piv, and 4L2P. The Tmax for lidocaine occurred later and the Cmax for lidocaine was slightly higher when comparing the 4L2P treatment and the 4L treatment. The phentolamine-induced delay of the lidocaine Tmax likely represents phentolamine's ability to accelerate the systemic absorption of lidocaine from oral tissues into the systemic circulation.

The effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase (COX) products and can attenuate bone loss. In this double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the efficacy of celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) was evaluated in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: A total of 131 subjects were randomized to receive SRP and either celecoxib (200 mg) or placebo every day for 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed every 3 months for 12 months as mean changes from baseline. Primary efficacy parameters included clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Secondary outcomes included percentages of tooth sites with CAL loss or gain > or =2 mm, changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and mobility. Prior to analysis, tooth sites were grouped based on baseline PD as shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 6 mm), or deep (> or =7 mm). RESULTS: Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the celecoxib group, primarily in moderate and deep sites, throughout the study (PD: 3.84 mm versus 2.06 mm, P <0.001; CAL: 3.74 mm versus 1.43 mm, P <0.0001 for deep sites at 12 months). The celecoxib group also exhibited a greater percentage of sites with > or =2 mm CAL gain and fewer sites with > or =2 mm CAL loss. Both groups showed improved plaque control and BOP scores. Demographic, social, and behavioral factors did not affect treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib can be an effective adjunctive treatment to SRP to reduce progressive attachment loss in subjects with CP. Its beneficiary effect persisted even at 6 months postadministration. However, given the increased cardiovascular risks associated with the use of this drug, close patient supervision and strict adherence to dosage and administration guidelines established by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration are of paramount importance.

Reduction in caries rate among patients with xerostomia using a power toothbrush.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a Sonicare toothbrush could be beneficial in reducing coronal and/or root caries among patients with medication-induced xerostomia. Eighty subjects with drug-induced xerostomia using either a Sonicare toothbrush (SC) or a manual toothbrush (MTB) were included in the study. Control subjects using a MTB were frequency-matched to 40 subjects using a SC, based on age, gender, number of teeth at baseline, and salivary flow rates. Subjects were individually matched according to the type of xerostomic medication they were taking. Caries were assessed at baseline, and subjects were instructed to have carious teeth restored. Summary statistics were assessed and computed by treatment group for incipient and frank coronal and root caries after one year. Statistical comparisons of the number of frank and incipient coronal and root caries between treatment groups were conducted using paired t-tests. After one year of use, the numbers of incipient and frank root caries were significantly lower among subjects using SC compared to subjects using MTB. Subjects using SC also exhibited somewhat lower incipient and frank coronal caries than subjects using MTB, although their differences were not statistically significant. The authors concluded that the Sonicare toothbrush may be beneficial in reducing root caries among older adults with medication-induced xerostomia.

Successful Treatment of Dry Mouth and Dry Eye Symptoms in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients With Oral Pilocarpine: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Adjustment Study.

BACKGROUND: : Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by the presence of xerostomia and/or xerophthalmia. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, has been proven to be efficacious in treating radiation-induced xerostomia (up to 30 mg/day) and symptoms of dry mouth in Sjögren's patients (up to 20 mg/day). OBJECTIVE: : To compare the safety and efficacy of oral pilocarpine (dose-adjusted) versus placebo in the treatment of dry eye and dry mouth symptoms in Sjögren's syndrome at 6 and 12 weeks. METHODS: : In this 11-center, 256-patient placebo-controlled study, the safety and efficacy of oral pilocarpine (20 mg to 30 mg daily) for relief of Sjögren's-related dry mouth and dry eye symptoms was assessed. Changes in symptoms and salivary flow were measured over 12 weeks. RESULTS: : Compared with placebo, salivary flow was significantly increased in the pilocarpine group (P

Are women with Sjögren's syndrome androgen-deficient?

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that androgen deficiency is a critical etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We investigated whether women with SS have a deficiency in total androgens. We also examined whether these patients have elevated serum concentrations of estrogens. METHODS: Blood was drawn from women with primary and secondary SS and age matched controls, and analyzed for steroid concentrations by gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Our results show that women with SS are androgen-deficient. Concentrations of 5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol (5-diol), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androsterone-glucuronide (ADT-G), and androstane-3a,17beta-diol-G (3alpha-diol-G) were all significantly reduced in SS sera relative to controls. In contrast, SS was not associated with significant alterations in the serum concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, estrone, or 17beta-estradiol. These overall findings could not be attributed to the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, because the concentrations of 5-diol, DHEA, DHT, ADT-G and 3a-diol-G were also decreased in patients with SS compared to levels in control women who were not taking exogenous estrogens. CONCLUSION: Our results show that women with SS are androgen-deficient.

A study to assess the safety and tolerability of three toothbrushes.

This study evaluated the oral soft tissue safety and tolerability of an experimental powered toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush Pro) compared to two leading manual toothbrushes: an advanced-design manual toothbrush (Oral-B CrossAction) and a flat-trimmed toothbrush (Oral-B 40 Indicator). Manual brushes are generally viewed as safe for use, and as such are appropriate controls. A total of 140 subjects was enrolled in this single-center, randomized, examiner-blind parallel study over a four-week test period. Subjects were instructed to brush in their normal manner, twice per day for 60 seconds per use. An oral soft tissue interview and examination were conducted by a trained dentist examiner at baseline, as well as three days and four weeks after baseline to assess clinical signs and symptoms of oral irritation associated with use of the toothbrushes. Overall, there were 19 adverse events reported for 18 subjects (13% of the population). The adverse events were distributed across test groups with five subjects in the experimental powered brush group, eight in the advanced design manual toothbrush group and five in the flat-trimmed toothbrush group experiencing at least one adverse event. The most frequently reported adverse event was localized irritation/inflammation of the gingiva. All adverse events were mild in severity except for one report of severe hyperesthesia (tooth sensitivity) in the advanced-design manual toothbrush group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for the proportion of subjects reporting adverse events at either three days or four weeks of product use. The results of this study indicate that daily use with the Crest SpinBrush Pro powered toothbrush is at least as safe as two leading manual toothbrushes.