Immediate effects of photobiomodulation on saliva production. / Efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação na produção de saliva.

PURPOSE: To verify the immediate effects of photobiomodulation on the production of salivary flow and the correlation of demographic, anthropometric and medication use data. METHODS: The study included 100 healthy individuals, aged between 18 and 76 years (mean 27.2 years), randomly split into an experimental group and a placebo group. Assessments of anthropometric measurements, self-perception of saliva production and sialometry were performed. Next, LASER irradiation was carried out at an infrared wavelength (808 nanometers) with 100 milliwatts (mw) of power at five intraoral points: on the sublingual glands and bilaterally on the submandibular and parotid glands, at doses of 9, 18 and 24 joules (J). Sialometry was repeated after each application. The control group received the same procedures with placebo equipment. RESULTS: There was a statistical association in the self-perception of reduced saliva in the experimental group for the 24J dose and in sialometry and in the reduction in salivary flow for the 18J and 24J doses and an increase to 9J, in both groups. There was no association when comparing the experimental and placebo groups. Multiple multinomial regression analysis revealed that the reduction or increase in salivary flow is independent of demographic, anthropometric and medication use variables. CONCLUSION: The bioinhibitory action of photobiomodulation on healthy salivary glands occurred at a dose of 18J and 24J, while the biostimulant action happened at a dose of 9J, regardless of demographic, anthropometric variables and medication use. The self-perception of reduced salivary flow occurred at 24J.

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação na produção do fluxo salivar e a correlação dos dados demográficos, antropométricos e de uso de medicamentos. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 100 indivíduos saudáveis, com idade entre 18 e 76 anos (média 27,2 anos), divididos de forma randomizada em grupo experimental e grupo placebo. Foram realizadas as avaliações das medidas antropométricas, autopercepção da produção de saliva e a sialometria. Na sequência, realizou-se a irradiação do LASER no comprimento de onda infravermelho (808 nanômetros) com 100 miliwatts (mw) de potência em cinco pontos intraorais: nas glândulas sublingual e bilateralmente nas submandibulares e parótidas, nas doses 9, 18 e 24 joules (J). A sialometria foi repetida após cada aplicação. O grupo controle recebeu os mesmos procedimentos com equipamento placebo. RESULTADOS: Houve associação estatística na autopercepção de redução da saliva no grupo experimental para a dose de 24J e na sialometria e na redução do fluxo salivar para as doses 18J e 24J e aumento para 9J, em ambos os grupos. Não houve associação quando comparado entre os grupos experimental e placebo. A análise de regressão multinomial múltipla revelou que a redução ou o aumento do fluxo salivar independe das variáveis demográficas, antropométricas e uso de medicamentos. CONCLUSÃO: A ação bioinibitória da fotobiomodulação sobre as glândulas salivares saudáveis ocorreu em dose de 18J e 24J, já ação bioestimulante na dose 9J, independe das variáveis demográficas, antropométricas e uso de medicamentos. A autopercepção da redução do fluxo salivar ocorreu em 24J.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation in the salivary production of patients with hyposalivation induced by antihypertensive drugs - A blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a systemic condition that affects about 35% of the world population. The drugs that are used for its control can produce hyposalivation. This work evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation on salivary flow rate, salivary pH, total protein concentration, and calcium concentration in individuals using antihypertensive medications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 41 subjects were randomly allocated in one of two groups: control (placebo) and photobiomodulation. The subjects had their salivary glands (20 sites) irradiated with a laser emitting at 808 nm, 4J/site once a week for 4 weeks and had their salivary flow measured before and after the whole treatment. RESULTS: The intragroup analysis (before and after treatment) shows a significant difference for both non-stimulated and stimulated salivary flow in the photobiomodulation group (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Comparing the placebo with the photobiomodulation group, significant differences were found for both non-stimulated (p = 0.0441) and stimulated salivary flow (p = 0.0441) after the treatment. No significant differences were found in pH, total protein concentration, calcium concentration. CONCLUSION: Despite the usage of drugs that influence the nervous system and typically result in a reduction of saliva production, photobiomodulation demonstrated a remarkable ability to enhance saliva production by a significant 75%.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation in salivary production of patients with xerostomy induced by anti-hypertensive drugs: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (systemic arterial hypertension [SAH]) is a systemic condition that affects about 30% of the world population, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Drugs used to control this disease have the potential to induce xerostomia, an oral condition in which the decrease of the salivary flow is observed and whose presence leads to the increase of the index of caries, periodontal disease, loss of the teeth, dysgeusia, difficulty of mastication, dysphagia, bad breath and oral burning and impairment of prothesis installed in the buccal cavity, including retention of removable and total dentures. METHODS: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind clinical protocol that aims to analyze the impact of phobiomodulation (PBM) on salivary glands of patients with antihypertensive drug induced xerostomia. Patients will be divided into 2 groups: G1: older adults with xerostomia induced by antihypertensive drugs and treatment with PBM (n = 30); G2: placebo PBM (n = 30). The irradiation will be made using a diode laser emitting at 808 nm with 100 mW and 40 seconds of exposure per site at the salivary glands. Twenty sites will be irradiated weekly for 4 weeks. Non-stimulated and stimulated salivary flow will be analyzed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: This protocol will determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy regarding the reduction of xerostomia in older adults using antihypertensive drugs. CONCLUSION: This protocol will determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy regarding the reduction of xerostomia in older adults using antihypertensive drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov - NCT03632096.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region: a preliminary study. / Efeito agudo da Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sobre a hipossalivação induzida pela radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço: um estudo preliminar.

PURPOSE: To verify the acute effect of electrostimulation on the salivary flow of patients with hyposalivation. METHODS: Uncontrolled clinical trial evaluating 15 patients with hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy (RT) used for head and neck cancer treatment. Mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 6.46 years. Males outnumbered females (73%). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) was adjusted with 50Hz of frequency and 250µs of pulse width. Intensity was adjusted over a 20-minute period according to maximum tolerance. The electrodes were attached bilaterally on the region of the salivary glands. Evaluation of the salivary flow was performed through sialometry before and immediately after application of TENS. RESULTS: The most prevalent region for RT was the oropharynx (80.0% of cases). The mean dose used in RT was 64.6 ± 7.27 Gy. After TENS, salivary flow increased significantly (p = 0.0051) from 0.05 (0.00; 0.40) mL/min to 0.10 (0.07: 0.40) mL/min. The response to TENS was directly correlated with the intensity of the tolerated electric current (r = 0.553; p = 0.032) and the dose used in RT (r = -0.514; p = 0.050). CONCLUSION: TENS was able to increase the salivary flow rate of patients with RT-induced hyposalivation.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito agudo da eletroestimulação sobre o fluxo salivar de pacientes com hipossalivação. MÉTODO: Ensaio clínico não controlado que avaliou o efeito de uma única aplicação da Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sobre o fluxo salivar de 15 pacientes com hipossalivação induzida por radioterapia (RT), utilizada no tratamento de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 56,8 ± 6,46 anos e o gênero masculino foi predominante (73%). A TENS foi programada com 50Hz de frequência, 250µs de largura de pulso e a intensidade foi ajustada ao longo dos 20 minutos conforme máxima tolerância. Os eletrodos foram fixados bilateralmente sobre a região das glândulas salivares. A avaliação do fluxo salivar foi realizada por meio de sialometria estimulada, antes e imediatamente após a aplicação da TENS. RESULTADOS: Em 80% dos casos, o tratamento oncológico incluiu quimioterapia. A RT foi aplicada em 80% dos casos na região e orofaringe, com intensidade média de 64,6 ± 7,27 Gy. Após a TENS, o fluxo salivar aumentou significativamente (p = 0,0051), passando de 0,05 (0,00; 0,40) mL/min para 0,10 (0,07;0,40) mL/min. A resposta à TENS foi diretamente correlacionada à intensidade da corrente elétrica tolerada (r = 0,553; p = 0,032) e à dose utilizada na RT (r = -0,514; p = 0,050). CONCLUSÃO: A TENS aumentou significativamente o fluxo salivar de pacientes com hipossalivação induzida pela RT.

A novel method to evaluate salivary flow rates of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy: a pilot study / Um novo método para avaliar as taxas de fluxo salivar em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço após radioterapia: estudo piloto

Abstract Introduction The procedure used to evaluate salivary flow rate is called sialometry. It can be performed through several techniques, but none appears to be really efficient for post-radiotherapy patients. Objective To adequate sialometry tests for head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. Methods 22 xerostomic patients post-radiotherapy (total radiation dose ranging from 60 to 70 Gy) were included in this study. Ten patients were evaluated using sialometries originally proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and twelve were assessed by our modified methods. Unstimulated and stimulated sialometries were performed and the results were classified according a grading scale and compared between both groups. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the salivary evaluations of both groups (p = 0.4487 and p = 0.5615). Also, most of these rates were classified as very low and low. Conclusion This novel method seems to be suitable for patients submitted to radiotherapy.

Resumo Introdução O procedimento utilizado para avaliar a taxa de fluxo salivar é denominado sialometria. Pode ser realizado por meio de várias técnicas, mas nenhuma parece ser realmente eficiente para pacientes pós-radioterapia. Objetivo Adaptar sialometrias para pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos à radioterapia. Método 22 pacientes xerostômicos pós-radioterapia (dose de radiação total variando de 60-70 Gy) foram incluídos neste estudo. Dez pacientes foram avaliados utilizando sialometrias originalmente propostas pelo Radiation Therapy Oncology Group e doze foram avaliados por nossos métodos modificados. Sialometrias não estimuladas e estimuladas foram conduzidas e os resultados foram classificados de acordo com uma escala de graduação e comparados entre os dois grupos. Resultados Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as avaliações salivares de ambos os grupos (p = 0,4487 e p = 0,5615). Além disso, a maioria dessas taxas foi classificada como muito baixa e baixa. Conclusão Esse novo método parece ser adequado para pacientes submetidos à radioterapia.

A novel method to evaluate salivary flow rates of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The procedure used to evaluate salivary flow rate is called sialometry. It can be performed through several techniques, but none appears to be really efficient for post-radiotherapy patients. OBJECTIVE: To adequate sialometry tests for head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. METHODS: 22 xerostomic patients post-radiotherapy (total radiation dose ranging from 60 to 70Gy) were included in this study. Ten patients were evaluated using sialometries originally proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and twelve were assessed by our modified methods. Unstimulated and stimulated sialometries were performed and the results were classified according a grading scale and compared between both groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the salivary evaluations of both groups (p=0.4487 and p=0.5615). Also, most of these rates were classified as very low and low. CONCLUSION: This novel method seems to be suitable for patients submitted to radiotherapy.

Efeito agudo da Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sobre a hipossalivação induzida pela radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço: um estudo preliminar / Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region: a preliminary study

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o efeito agudo da eletroestimulação sobre o fluxo salivar de pacientes com hipossalivação. Método Ensaio clínico não controlado que avaliou o efeito de uma única aplicação da Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sobre o fluxo salivar de 15 pacientes com hipossalivação induzida por radioterapia (RT), utilizada no tratamento de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 56,8 ± 6,46 anos e o gênero masculino foi predominante (73%). A TENS foi programada com 50Hz de frequência, 250μs de largura de pulso e a intensidade foi ajustada ao longo dos 20 minutos conforme máxima tolerância. Os eletrodos foram fixados bilateralmente sobre a região das glândulas salivares. A avaliação do fluxo salivar foi realizada por meio de sialometria estimulada, antes e imediatamente após a aplicação da TENS. Resultados Em 80% dos casos, o tratamento oncológico incluiu quimioterapia. A RT foi aplicada em 80% dos casos na região e orofaringe, com intensidade média de 64,6 ± 7,27 Gy. Após a TENS, o fluxo salivar aumentou significativamente (p = 0,0051), passando de 0,05 (0,00; 0,40) mL/min para 0,10 (0,07;0,40) mL/min. A resposta à TENS foi diretamente correlacionada à intensidade da corrente elétrica tolerada (r = 0,553; p = 0,032) e à dose utilizada na RT (r = -0,514; p = 0,050). Conclusão A TENS aumentou significativamente o fluxo salivar de pacientes com hipossalivação induzida pela RT.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the acute effect of electrostimulation on the salivary flow of patients with hyposalivation. Methods Uncontrolled clinical trial evaluating 15 patients with hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy (RT) used for head and neck cancer treatment. Mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 6.46 years. Males outnumbered females (73%). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) was adjusted with 50Hz of frequency and 250μs of pulse width. Intensity was adjusted over a 20-minute period according to maximum tolerance. The electrodes were attached bilaterally on the region of the salivary glands. Evaluation of the salivary flow was performed through sialometry before and immediately after application of TENS. Results The most prevalent region for RT was the oropharynx (80.0% of cases). The mean dose used in RT was 64.6 ± 7.27 Gy. After TENS, salivary flow increased significantly (p = 0.0051) from 0.05 (0.00; 0.40) mL/min to 0.10 (0.07: 0.40) mL/min. The response to TENS was directly correlated with the intensity of the tolerated electric current (r = 0.553; p = 0.032) and the dose used in RT (r = -0.514; p = 0.050). Conclusion TENS was able to increase the salivary flow rate of patients with RT-induced hyposalivation.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on radiotherapy-induced hyposalivation and xerostomia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study aimed to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hyposalivation and xerostomia as a consequence of head and neck radiotherapy. BACKGROUND DATA: The benefits of LLLT in salivary flow have been shown; however, there are no studies investigating its effects on patients who have already undergone radiotherapy and present hyposalivation and xerostomia as a sequela. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with a history of head and neck malignancy, who were treated by fractioned teletherapy (dosimetry ranging from 45 to 70 Gy) in the cervicofacial region were selected. They all presented with xerostomia and severe hyposalivation. Patients were randomly distributed into a laser group (n=12) and a control group (n=11). A GaAlAs laser (830 nm, 100 mW, illuminated area 0.028 cm2, 3.57 W/cm2, 20 sec, 2.0 J, 71 J/cm2) was used punctually in the major salivary glands, twice a week for 6 weeks, with a 12 session total. Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) were assessed, as well as the xerostomia and quality of life related to oral health (QLROH). RESULTS: The analysis did not show any significant difference between the groups with regards to the SFR and xerostomia, and the QLROH. However, at the end of the treatment, the xerostomia and the QLROH showed significant improvement in both groups compared with assessments performed at baseline, highlighting the importance of advice given to the irradiated patients, and their follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: With the parameters used, LLLT was not able to increase SFR or decrease xerostomia. The results may be associated with the late effects of radiotherapy on glandular structure, such as fibrosis and acinar atrophy.

Acupuncture for the prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in minimizing the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. A total of 24 consecutive patients receiving > 5000 cGy radiotherapy (RT) involving the major salivary glands bilaterally were assigned to either the preventive acupuncture group (PA, n = 12), treated with acupuncture before and during RT, or the control group (CT, n = 12), treated with RT and not receiving acupuncture. After RT completion, clinical response was assessed in all patients by syalometry, measuring the resting (RSFR) and stimulated (SSFR) salivary flow rates, and by the visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding dry mouth-related symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed with repeated-measures using a mixed-effect modeling procedure and analysis of variance. An alpha level of 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Although all patients exhibited some degree of impairment in salivary gland functioning after RT, significant differences were found between the groups. Patients in the PA group showed improved salivary flow rates (RSFR, SSFR; p < 0.001) and decreased xerostomia-related symptoms (VAS, p < 0.05) compared with patients in the CT group. Although PA treatment did not prevent the oral sequelae of RT completely, it significantly minimized the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia. The results suggest that acupuncture focused in a preventive approach can be a useful therapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing RT.

Acupuncture for the prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in minimizing the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. A total of 24 consecutive patients receiving > 5000 cGy radiotherapy (RT) involving the major salivary glands bilaterally were assigned to either the preventive acupuncture group (PA, n = 12), treated with acupuncture before and during RT, or the control group (CT, n = 12), treated with RT and not receiving acupuncture. After RT completion, clinical response was assessed in all patients by syalometry, measuring the resting (RSFR) and stimulated (SSFR) salivary flow rates, and by the visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding dry mouth-related symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed with repeated-measures using a mixed-effect modeling procedure and analysis of variance. An alpha level of 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Although all patients exhibited some degree of impairment in salivary gland functioning after RT, significant differences were found between the groups. Patients in the PA group showed improved salivary flow rates (RSFR, SSFR; p < 0.001) and decreased xerostomia-related symptoms (VAS, p < 0.05) compared with patients in the CT group. Although PA treatment did not prevent the oral sequelae of RT completely, it significantly minimized the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia. The results suggest that acupuncture focused in a preventive approach can be a useful therapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing RT.

Laser phototherapy as topical prophylaxis against radiation-induced xerostomia.

The common consequences of radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck are oral mucositis, xerostomia, and severe pain. The aim of this study was to verify how laser phototherapy (LPT) used for oral mucositis could influence xerostomia symptoms and hyposalivation of patients undergoing RT. Patients were divided into two groups: 12 individuals receiving three laser irradiations per week (G1) and 10 patients receiving one laser irradiation per week (G2). A diode laser (660 nm, 6 J/cm(2), 0.24 J, 40 mW) was used until completely healing of the lesions or the end of the RT. At the first and last laser sessions, whole resting and stimulated saliva were collected, and questionnaires were administered. According to Wilcoxon and Student statistical test, xerostomia for G1 was lower than for G2 (p < 0.05), and salivary flow rate was no different before and after RT, except for stimulated collection of G2, which was lower (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that LPT can be beneficial as an auxiliary therapy for hypofunction of salivary glands.

A review of the biological and clinical aspects of radiation caries.

AIM: The aim of this article is to review the clinical and biological features underlying the development and progression of radiation caries. BACKGROUND: Although radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the management of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), it is also associated with several undesired side effects such as radiation caries which is a common, yet serious, complication. To review the condition, the Pubmed database was searched using the keywords "radiotherapy," "radiation," "caries," "hyposalivation," "prevention" and "management". Only studies published in the English language were selected. Cross-referencing identified additionally relevant studies. REVIEW RESULTS: RT leads to alterations in the dentition, saliva, oral microflora, and diet of patients. Consequently, irradiated patients are at increased risk for the development of a rapid, rampant carious process known as radiation caries. Motivation of patients, adequate plaque control, stimulation of salivary flow, fluoride use, and nutritional orientation are essential to reduce the incidence of radiation caries and ultimately improve the quality of life for HNC patients. CONCLUSION: Radiation caries is an aggressive side effect of RT. Dentists play an important role in the prevention of the condition via comprehensive oral healthcare before, during, and after the active cancer therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists should understand the clinical and biological aspects underlying radiation caries to prevent the development of lesions and provide optimal treatment when needed.

Evaluation of some oral postradiotherapy sequelae in patients treated for head and neck tumors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral sequelae of radiotherapy in patients treated between 1999 and 2003 for head and neck tumors. One-hundred patients (24 women, 76 men) ranging in age from 30 to 83 years (mean 59.2 years) were examined. Time since radiotherapy ranged from 1 to 72 months (mean 28 months). The total mean radiation dose received by the patients was 5,955 cGy. The evaluation protocol included anamnesis, intraoral and extraoral examination, measurement of stimulated salivary flow and salivary pH. Symptoms reported by the patients included dry mouth (68%), dysphagia (38%), and dysgeusia (30%). In 64% of the patients, the mean stimulated salivary flow rate was less than 0.7 ml/min. The mean salivary pH was 6.97 (+/- 0.714). Stimulated salivary flow increased with increasing postradiotherapy time (p < 0.05). The prevalence of mucositis was associated with higher radiation doses (p < 0.05), and the prevalence of atrophic candidiasis was related to a longer post-treatment period (p < 0.05). Two cases of recurrence of the primary tumor were detected during the study. The main effect of radiotheraphy in the head and neck region was a reduction of the salivary flow rate, even though our study demonstrated that there was a modest late improvement of the salivary flow.

A randomized phase III prospective trial of bethanechol to prevent radiotherapy-induced salivary gland damage in patients with head and neck cancer.

The aim of this study was to verify whether the use of bethanechol during radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) prevents radiation-induced xerostomia and salivary flow reduction. Patients that would begin RT were randomly allocated into bethanechol (group 1) or artificial saliva (group 2). Whole resting saliva (WRS) and whole stimulated saliva (WSS) were collected from all the patients at the following four stages: baseline, during, immediately after, and at least two months after the end of RT. Xerostomia was assessed by a subjective visual analogue scale (VAS), and by asking patients whether they felt dry mouth. Forty-three patients were randomized into this trial. The use of bethanechol during RT for HNC cancer was associated with significantly higher WRS immediately after RT (p=0.03) in comparison to a similar cohort of patients who had not received bethanechol.

Evaluation of some oral postradiotherapy sequelae in patients treated for head and neck tumors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral sequelae of radiotherapy in patients treated between 1999 and 2003 for head and neck tumors. One-hundred patients (24 women, 76 men) ranging in age from 30 to 83 years (mean 59.2 years) were examined. Time since radiotherapy ranged from 1 to 72 months (mean 28 months). The total mean radiation dose received by the patients was 5,955 cGy. The evaluation protocol included anamnesis, intraoral and extraoral examination, measurement of stimulated salivary flow and salivary pH. Symptoms reported by the patients included dry mouth (68 percent), dysphagia (38 percent), and dysgeusia (30 percent). In 64 percent of the patients, the mean stimulated salivary flow rate was less than 0.7 ml/min. The mean salivary pH was 6.97 (± 0.714). Stimulated salivary flow increased with increasing postradiotherapy time (p < 0.05). The prevalence of mucositis was associated with higher radiation doses (p < 0.05), and the prevalence of atrophic candidiasis was related to a longer post-treatment period (p < 0.05). Two cases of recurrence of the primary tumor were detected during the study. The main effect of radiotheraphy in the head and neck region was a reduction of the salivary flow rate, even though our study demonstrated that there was a modest late improvement of the salivary flow.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as seqüelas bucais provocadas pela radioterapia em pacientes com neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço, tratados entre 1999 e 2003. Foram examinados 100 pacientes (24 mulheres e 76 homens), com idades entre 30 e 83 anos (média de 59,2 anos). O tempo desde a radioterapia variou de 1 a 72 meses (média de 28 meses). A média da dose total de radiação recebida pelos pacientes foi de 5.955 cGy. O protocolo de avaliação consistiu de anamnese, exame físico, aferição do fluxo salivar estimulado e pHmetria da saliva. Os sintomas referidos foram boca seca (68 por cento), disfagia (38 por cento) e disgeusia (30 por cento). Em 64 por cento dos indivíduos o valor médio do fluxo salivar estimulado esteve abaixo de 0.7 ml/min. O pH médio da amostra foi de 6.97 (± 0.714). O fluxo estimulado e a ocorrência de candidíase atrófica aumentaram conforme o aumento do tempo pós-radioterapia (p < 0.05). A ocorrência de mucosite esteve associada a maiores doses de radiação (p < 0.05). Dois casos de segundo tumor primário foram diagnosticados. O principal efeito da radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço foi a redução do fluxo salivar, apesar de nosso estudo ter demonstrado que há uma melhora tardia do fluxo salivar.

Evaluation of radioprotective effect of vitamin E in salivary dysfunction in irradiated rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of vitamin E in salivary gland function, as well as analyse the total protein concentration. For this purpose 90 male rats were used and randomly divided into five experimental groups: control (I), in which animals received olive oil solution but were not irradiated; irradiated-olive oil (II), in which animals received olive oil solution and were irradiated with a single exposure dose of 15 Gy of gamma rays to the head and neck region; irradiated (III), in which animals were only irradiated with a single exposure dose of 15 Gy of gamma rays; vitamin E (IV), in which animals received alpha tocopherol acetate solution but were not irradiated; irradiated-vitamin E (V), in which animals received alpha tocopherol acetate solution before irradiation with a single exposure dose of 15 Gy gamma rays. The animals were sacrificed 4, 8 h and 30 days after the irradiation procedure. No differences were observed in salivary volumes between the groups at 4 and 8 h. At 30 days, the salivary volume in the animals pertaining to the irradiated-olive oil group was significantly reduced in relation to the control group. The only irradiated group (III) presented significantly diminished salivary volume. In the salivary composition, no significant differences were observed in the total protein content between the groups studied. It was concluded that radiation had no effect on the total protein content and that vitamin E protected the salivary function 30 days after irradiation. Thus, vitamin E can be considered as a potential radioprotective substance.

Velocidade do fluxo e pH salivar após radioterapia da região de cabeça e pescoço / Salivary flow rate and pH after radiotherapy of the head and neck region

A hipossalivação é uma seqüela provocada pelo tratamento radioterápico das neoplasias malignas da região da cabeça e pescoço e esta condição predispõe o paciente às lesões de cárie e infecções bucais. Este estudo avaliou ocomportamento do fluxo e pH salivar num grupo de 42 indivíduos submetidos a tratamento radioterápico com dose diária de 200cGy por aproximadamente cinco semanas. Seis amostras de saliva total foram colhidas de maneira padronizada em cada indivíduo. A primeira amostra foi obtida antes do tratamento, a segunda durante e as demais por até seis meses após o tratamento ter sido encerrado. O fluxo salivar e o pH foram determinados através de métodos laboratoriais. Ao receberem a dose de 1500cGy, período que equivaleu ao oitavo dia de tratamento, o fluxo salivar dos indivíduos diminuiu em 50 por cento (p menor que 0,05). Ao final do tratamento, a média observada para o fluxo foi de 0,33ml/min, o que representou uma redução de 79 por cento (p menor que 0,05). O pH da saliva também diminuiu em função do tratamento radioterápico. A média do pH registrada antes do tratamento foi de 7,6 quediminuiu e manteve-se em 6,8 por até seis meses após o tratamento radioterápico (p menor que 0,05). Estes resultados demonstraram que a radioterapia quando aplicada na região da cabeça e do pescoço provoca uma redução progressiva no fluxo e pH salivar em função do tempo.

Evaluation of salivary flow in patients during head and neck radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy is frequently employed for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Among the side effects, xerostomia is one of the most important. With the objective of evaluating the role of radiotherapy in salivary flow, we performed three salivary sample collections: at the beginning of, during, and immediately after radiotherapy. The results showed that the salivary flow values of the first collection were very similar to those of the control group. However, during treatment, there was a significant decrease of the salivary flow (p = 0.0008), which continued low immediately after radiotherapy (p = 0.0009). Our study showed that radiotherapy leads to an important reduction of salivary flow during and after radiotherapy.

Evaluation of salivary flow in patients during head and neck radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is frequently employed for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Among the side effects, xerostomia is one of the most important. With the objective of evaluating the role of radiotherapy in salivary flow, we performed three salivary sample collections: at the beginning of, during, and immediately after radiotherapy. The results showed that the salivary flow values of the first collection were very similar to those of the control group. However, during treatment, there was a significant decrease of the salivary flow (p = 0.0008), which continued low immediately after radiotherapy (p = 0.0009). Our study showed that radiotherapy leads to an important reduction of salivary flow during and after radiotherapy

Avaliaçäo do fluxo salivar total näo estimulado, após o emprego do lauril-dietileno-glicol-éter-sulfato de sódio associado ao hidróxido de cálcio em pacientes irradiados com carcinoma espinocelular da boca e orofaringe / Total salivary non stimulated flow evaluation, after radiotherapy for pacients with mouth and oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma with the asssociation of lauryl-dietylene-glycol-ether sodium sulphate and calcium hydroxide

Introdução: Avaliar quantitativamente o índice de fluxosalivar total não estimulado de pacientes portadores de carcinoma espinocelular de boca e orofaringe, após tratamento radioterápico, exclusivo, tratados com a associação de lauril-dietileno-glicol-éter-sulfato de sódio e hidróxido de cálcio. Forma de estudo: Prospectivo clínico não randomizado. Método: o fluxo salivar foi avaliado em 11 pacientes (n=ll) em três fases: 1ª.) durante sete semanas,quando foram submetidos à telecobaltoterapia na dose total de 7.000 cGy, sem utilização de medicamento para estimular a salivação; 2ª.) em seguida, durante oito semanas após o tratamento radioterápico, quando os pacientes utilizaram a associação medicamentosa como estimulante da salivação; 3ªú) finalmente, durante oito semanas após ter sidointerrompido o tratamento com a associação de drogas.Resultados: os valores obtidos foram analisados com vistasa avaliação da eficácia da medicação utilizada para evitar a hipofunção salivar no período pós-radioterapia. Dos 11 pacientes, 10 apresentaram melhora significante dos índices de fluxo salivar com o uso da associação de drogas, em relação aos valores do período final do tratamento radioterápico, e mantiveram esses índices mesmo com a suspensão do medicamento. Conclusões: a associação de drogas foi eficaz no tratamento da hipofunção salivar, e proporcionou aumento do índice salivar total não estimulado em 10 dos 11 pacientes, sendo esse aumento mantido por dois meses após a interrupção do uso do medicamento