Estudio piloto sobre el diagnóstico y factores relacionados con la hiposialia en pacientes con xerostomía en una clínica universitaria / Pilot study on diagnosis and related factors to hyposialia in xerostomic patients at a university clinic

La xerostomía es una sensación subjetiva de boca seca que puede acompañarse de disminución de la cantidad de saliva o no. La hiposialia es la disminución del flujo salival medido mediante una sialometría. El objetivo del estudio fue definir el porcentaje total de pacientes con hiposialia real en un grupo de pacientes con xerostomía y analizar las diferencias existentes entre los pacientes con xerostomía asociada a hiposialia y los pacientes con xerostomía subjetiva. 28 pacientes que referían xerostomía formaron parte del estudio entre noviembre y marzo de 2020-2021 en la Policlínica de la Universidad Europea de Madrid. Se completó una exhaustiva historia médica, se cumplimentaron tres cuestionarios: Xerostomy Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale y OHIP-14, y se realizó una sialometría no estimulada durante cinco minutos. El análisis de los datos se realizó con el paquete estadístico Stata IC v. 14. El 82% del total de los pacientes que referían boca seca eran mujeres con una edad media de 59,14 años. Menos de la mitad de los pacientes (46%) presentaban hiposialia objetivada mediante la sialometría. Había más pacientes portadores de prótesis dentales en el grupo que sufría de hiposialia respecto al grupo con flujo salival normal. Ambos grupos mostraron un número similar de enfermedades y medicamentos xerostomizantes. En cuanto a los cuestionarios cumplimentados, no hubo diferencia significativa en los resultados de ambos grupos. (AU)

Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth that may or may not be accompanied by a decrease in the amount of saliva. Hyposialia is the reduction in salivary flow measured by a sialometry. The aim of the study was to define the total percentage of patients with true hyposialia in a group of patients with xerostomia and to analyze the differences between patients with xerostomia associated with hyposalia and patients with subjective xerostomia. 28 patients who referred xerostomia were part of the study between November and March 2020-2021 at the Polyclinic of the European University of Madrid. A comprehensive medical history was fulfilled, three questionnaires were completed: Xerostomia Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and OHIP14, and unstimulated sialometry was performed for five minutes. Data analysis was performed with the Stata IC v. 14. 82% of the total patients who reported dry mouth were women with a mean age of 59.14 years. Less than half of the patients (46%) had hyposialia as evidenced by sialometry. There were more patients with dental prostheses in the group suffering from hyposialia compared to the group with normal salivary flow. Both groups showed a similar number of xerostomizing diseases and drugs. Regarding the completed questionnaires, there was no significant difference in the results of both groups. (AU)

Pilot study on the diagnosis of and factors related to hyposialia in patients with xerostomia at a university clinic

Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth that may or may not be accompanied by a decrease in the amount of saliva. Hyposialia is a reduction in salivary flow, as measured by sialometry. The aims of the study were to establish the total percentage of patients with actual reduced saliva flow (hyposialia) in a group of patients with perceived reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) and analyse the differences between patients with xerostomia associated with hyposalia and patients with subjective xerostomia. 28 patients with xerostomia were part of the study between November and March 2020-2021 at the Polyclinic of the European University of Madrid. A comprehensive medical history was prepared, 3 questionnaires were completed (Xerostomia Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and OHIP- 14) and unstimulated sialometry was performed for 5 minutes. Data analysis was performed with the Stata IC v 14 statistics program. 82% of the total patients who reported dry mouth were women, with a mean age of 59.14 years. Less than half of the patients (46%) had hyposialia as evidenced by sialometry. There were more patients with dental prostheses in the group suffering from hyposialia compared to the group with normal salivary flow. Both groups showed a similar number of xerostomising disorders and drugs. There were no significant differences between either group regarding the completed questionnaires. (AU)

Could drug burden be associated with severe periodontitis in patients receiving haemodialysis?

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population by triggering systemic inflammation. AIM: To investigate the relationship between systemic inflammation and periodontitis, and clarify any association between severe periodontitis and the medications used by patients receiving haemodialysis. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: The study was undertaken with 56 patients receiving haemodialysis. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and laboratory data and prescribed drugs regularly used by patients were recorded from hospital records. During the dialysis session, a validated Xerostomia Inventory score was completed. A complete dental/periodontal examination was also undertaken on all patients by the same periodontist. RESULTS: In the study population, stage I periodontitis was determined in 41%, stage II periodontitis in 17%, stage III periodontitis in 21%, and stage IV periodontitis in 21%. Male gender, hypertension, coronary artery disease, ß antagonists, calcium channel blockers, sodium polystyrene sulphonate, teeth brushing less than twice a day and high sensitive C-reactive protein > 8 mg/l were significantly associated with severe periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Drugs, including ß antagonists, calcium channel blockers, polystyrene sulphonate, co-morbid conditions and poor or insufficient oral care could facilitate an increase in the severity of periodontitis in patients receiving haemodialysis. Severe periodontitis also seems to be associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation in patients with chronic renal disease.

A Model-Based Approach to Predict Short-Term Toxicity Benefits With Proton Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to generate normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models in patients treated with either proton beam therapy (PBT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for oropharynx cancer and to use a model-based approach to investigate the added value of PBT in preventing treatment complications. METHODS AND MATERIALS: For patients with advanced-stage oropharynx cancer treated with curative intent (PBT, n = 30; IMRT, n = 175), NTCP models were developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward selection. For PBT-treated patients, an equivalent IMRT plan was generated to serve as a reference to determine the benefit of PBT in terms of NTCP. The models were then applied to the PBT-treated patients to compare predicted and observed clinical outcomes (calibration-in-the-large). Five binary endpoints were analyzed at 6 months after treatment: dysphagia ≥ grade 2, dysphagia ≥ grade 3, xerostomia ≥ grade 2, salivary duct inflammation ≥ grade 2, and feeding tube dependence. Corresponding toxicity grading was based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4. Paired t tests and Wilcoxon rank tests were used to compare mean NTCP results for endpoints between PBT and IMRT. RESULTS: NTCP models developed based on outcomes from all patients were applied to those receiving PBT. NTCP values were calculated for the equivalent IMRT plans for all PBT-treated patients, revealing significantly higher NTCP values with IMRT. PBT was associated with statistically significant reductions in the mean NTCP values for each endpoint at 6 months after treatment, with the largest absolute differences in rates of ≥grade 2 dysphagia and ≥grade 2 xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: NTCP models predict significant improvements in the probability of short-term, treatment-related toxicity with PBT compared with IMRT for oropharyngeal cancer. This study demonstrates an NTCP model-based approach to compare predicted patient outcomes when randomized data are not available.

Clinical oral dryness score: evaluation of a new screening method for oral dryness.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of the clinical oral dryness score (CODS) with salivary flow rates, xerostomia inventory (XI), and bother index (BI). 147 patients were screened using CODS, which determined 10 features of oral dryness. Each feature contributed 1 point, and the total score varied from 0 to 10. Unstimulated (UWS), chewing-stimulated (CH-SWS) and acid-stimulated (A-SWS) whole salivary flows and the XI and BI were measured. Associations were explored with a bootstrapped Spearman rank correlation test (1000 × bootstrapping). Based on unstimulated salivary flow, 55 patients were classified as hyposalivators, 31 as low salivators, 48 as normosalivators and 13 as high salivators. Median CODS in the hyposalivation group was 5 (IQR 3-6) compared with 3 (IQR 2-5) in the low salivation group, 2 (IQR 1-4) in the normal salivation group and 2 (IQR 1-2.5) in the high salivation group. Significant associations between CODS and the other parameters were only found in the hyposalivation group between CODS and UWS (ρ(53) = - 0.513; p < 0.01), between CODS and CH-SWS (ρ(53) = - 0.453; p < 0.01), between CODS and A-SWS (ρ(53) = - 0.500; p < 0.01), CODS and XI (ρ(53) = 0.343; p < 0.001) and between CODS and BI (ρ(53) = 0.375; p = 0.01). In patients with hyposalivation, CODS is associated with unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow and XI and BI. CODS alone or a combination of CODS with a subjective measure, such as the XI or BI, could be recommended during routine clinical assessment to detect hyposalivation.

A bi-level intervention to improve oral hygiene of older and disabled adults in low-income housing: results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the results of a bi-level intervention, using a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach, to improve the oral hygiene of older adults and the disabled in community-based low income senior housing. METHODS: The bi-level pilot intervention consisted of an on-site tailored adapted motivational interviewing (AMI) session and two oral health fairs, supported by a resident campaign committee, to change community norms. All materials were available in English and Spanish. Participants completed a survey consisting of 12 domains that provided the basis for tailoring the AMI and shaping the campaigns. The domains were activities of daily living (ADLs), access to oral health information, oral hygiene status, dental knowledge, hygiene behaviors, importance of oral hygiene, self-efficacy/locus of control, diet, intentions, self-management worries/fears, perceived risk and dry mouth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each participant received clinical assessments consisting of full-mouth plaque score (PS) and gingival index (GI) before the intervention and at three months. RESULTS: Twenty-seven residents with at least one tooth completed all phases of the study. The mean number of domains requiring attention was 4.5 (SD 1.6) with a range of one to seven. Mean baseline PS was 83% (SD 16%) which improved significantly to 58% (SD 31%); mean baseline GI was 1.15 (SD 0.61) and improved significantly to 0.49 (SD 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored oral hygiene intervention among older and disabled adults living in low income senior housing. Although a small sample, the study demonstrated significant improvements in both plaque and gingival scores three months after the bi-level intervention.

A randomized clinical trial in subjects with dry mouth evaluating subjective perceptions of an experimental oral gel, an oral rinse and a mouth spray compared to water.

PURPOSE: This multicenter, randomized, parallel group study analyzed the effectiveness of an experimental oral gel, a commercially available oral rinse and a commercially available mouth spray versus water alone at relieving self-reported symptoms of dry mouth over a 28-day home use treatment period. The effects of the study treatments on dry mouth-related quality of life (QoL) were also investigated. METHODS: Eligible subjects were stratified by dry mouth severity (mild, moderate or severe) and randomized to receive one of the study treatments. Prior to first use they completed a questionnaire designed to assess their baseline dry mouth-related QoL. Following first use and on Day 8 (2 hours post-treatment only) and Day 29, subjects completed the modified Product Performance and Attributes Questionnaire (PPAQ) I at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours post-treatment. Subjects further assessed treatment performance using the PPAQ II questionnaire on Days 8 and 29 and the dry mouth-related QoL questionnaire on Day 29. RESULTS: In 396 randomized subjects almost all comparisons of responses to PPAQ I, including those for the primary endpoint (response to PPAQ I Question 1 'Relieving the discomfort of dry mouth' after 2 hours on Day 29), were statistically significant in favor of active treatment groups versus water (P < 0.05). All comparisons of responses to PPAQ II on Days 8 and 29 were statistically significant in favor of active treatments versus water (P < 0.05). Moreover, nearly all comparisons for dry mouth-related QoL scores on Day 29 were statistically significant in favor of the active treatments versus water. All the dry mouth management strategies in this trial were well tolerated.

Gingival condition and tooth-brushing behavior after alcohol consumption.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Various studies have reported the relationship between alcohol consumption and gingival condition. However, they focus on the direct effects of alcohol consumption or alcohol sensitivity on gingival condition, and it is unclear how oral health behaviors relate these relationships. The aims of this study were to assess the inter-relationships between gingival condition, tooth-brushing behavior after drinking alcohol and alcohol sensitivity in university students who drink more than once per week on average. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 808 students (541 males, 267 females) that habitually consume alcohol were analyzed. The disease activity of gingival condition was assessed as the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP). Additional information regarding alcohol sensitivity and oral health behaviors, including tooth-brushing behavior after drinking, were also collected. RESULTS: Thirteen percent of the current participants reported neglecting tooth-brushing after drinking, and their alcohol consumption was higher than those who did not neglect tooth-brushing. Logistic regression analysis showed that high %BOP (%BOP ≥ 20) was associated with male (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01-2.33), neglect of tooth-brushing after drinking (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.20-5.61) and debris index (OR = 8.38; 95% CI, 4.24-16.60) in participants with low alcohol sensitivity. In participants with high alcohol sensitivity, high %BOP was associated with debris index (OR = 7.60; 95% CI, 3.12-18.51), but not with any oral health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that alcohol consumption was indirectly related to gingival disease activity through the neglect of tooth-brushing after drinking alcohol in university students with low alcohol sensitivity.

miR-146a and miR-155 expression in PBMCs from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies have revealed that microRNA (miRNA) contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the miR-146a and miR-155 levels in peripheral mononuclear blood cells from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who were not receiving medications and to examine the correlations between these miRNA levels and the clinical features of the disease. METHOD: Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of miRNAs, the miR-146a and miR-155 expression levels were assessed in peripheral mononuclear blood cells from 27 patients with pSS and 22 healthy controls, and the relationships between these miRNA levels and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for dry mouth, dry eyes, and parotid gland swelling were investigated. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy controls, the miR-146a expression level was significantly increased in the patients with pSS (P = 0.0182) and was positively correlated with the VAS scores for parotid swelling (r = 0.4475, P = 0.0192) and dry eyes (r = 0.4051, P = 0.0361). Although the miR-155 expression level was significantly decreased in the patients with pSS (P = 0.0131), the miR-155 expression positively correlated with the VAS score for dry eyes (r = 0.4894, P = 0.0096). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated miR-146a overexpression and miR-155 underexpression in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of the patients with pSS. Furthermore, the expression levels of these miRNAs correlated with the patients' clinical features. Our data suggest that miR-146a and miR-155 might play important roles in the pathogenesis of pSS and that their expression levels may be useful for diagnosing pSS and for predicting disease activity and therapeutic responses.

Relationship between masticatory ability and physical performance in community-dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the association between masticatory ability and physical performance in community-dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures. BACKGROUND: Physical performance parameters are significant predictors of decreased activities of daily living. Previous studies have shown the relationships between oral conditions and these parameters. Here, we focused on complete denture wearers. METHODS: Two hundred and ten edentulous adults aged ≥65 years and wearing complete dentures were enrolled. The following oral conditions were examined: masticatory ability measured by colour-changing chewing gum, number of foods considered chewable, pain when using dentures and denture base fit. Handgrip strength (HG) and one-leg standing time with eyes open (OLST) were used to evaluate muscle strength and static balance. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the correlations between oral conditions and physical performance. Forward stepwise linear regression models were applied with each physical performance parameters as the dependent variable and oral conditions as the independent variable. RESULTS: The women did not show significant correlations between oral conditions and the physical performance. In men, significant and positive correlations were found between the number of chewable foods and HG, and between the colour scores and OLST. The significant correlation between the colour scores and OLST was still noted in the stepwise liner regression analysis after adjusting for demographic, social and medical conditions, and other oral conditions. CONCLUSION: In Japanese elderly edentulous men wearing complete dentures, masticatory ability evaluated as the mixing ability may be associated with static balance.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a topical sialogogue spray containing malic acid 1% in elderly people with xerostomia: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a topical sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid for elderly people affected by xerostomia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research took the form of a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Forty-one individuals (mean age: 78.7 years) with xerostomia were divided into two groups: for the first 'intervention group' (21 subjects) a topical sialogogue spray (1% malic acid) was applied, while for the second 'control group' (20 subjects), a placebo spray was applied; for both groups, the sprays were applied on demand during 2 weeks. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) was used to evaluate xerostomia levels before and after product/placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates, before and after spray application, were measured. RESULTS: XI scores decreased significantly (clinically meaningful) from 36.4 ± 7.3 points to 29.1 ± 7.1 (p < 0.05) with an XI difference of 7.2 ± 6.1, after the combination among 1% malic acid with xylitol and fluoride application. After 2 weeks of 1% malic acid application, unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates increased significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A topical sialogogue spray containing 1% malic acid improved xerostomia in an elderly population and increased unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows rates.

Effect of glycemic control on self-perceived oral health, periodontal parameters, and alveolar bone loss among patients with prediabetes.

BACKGROUND: The effect of glycemic control on severity of periodontal inflammatory parameters in patients with prediabetes is unknown. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of glycemic control on self-perceived oral health, periodontal parameters, and marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients with prediabetes. METHODS: A total of 303 individuals were included. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) were recorded. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) group A: 75 patients with prediabetes (FBGLs = 100 to 125 mg/dL [HbA1c ≥5%]); 2) group B: 78 individuals previously considered prediabetic but having FBGLs <100 mg/dL (HbA1c <5%) resulting from dietary control; and 3) control group: 150 medically healthy individuals. Self-perceived oral health, socioeconomic status, and education status were determined using a questionnaire. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (AL) were recorded. Premolar and molar MBLs were measured on panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: Periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, PD, and AL) (P <0.01) and MBL (P <0.01) were worse among individuals in group A than those in group B. Self-perceived gingival bleeding (P <0.001), pain on chewing (P <0.001), dry mouth (P <0.001), and oral burning sensations (P <0.05) were worse among patients in group A than those in group B. There was no difference in periodontal parameters, MBL, and self-perceived oral symptoms among patients with prediabetes in group B and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived oral health, severity of periodontal parameters, and MBL are worse in patients with prediabetes than controls. Glycemic control significantly reduces the severity of these parameters as well as the state of prediabetes in affected individuals.

Reduction in dental plaque in patients with mental disorders through the dental hygiene care programme.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dental hygiene care programme based on the specific needs of patients with mental disorders and to suggest practical guidelines to improve the oral health care of these patients. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with mental illness participated in the study. The patients were randomly classified into three groups and followed over 12 weeks at 4-week intervals. A newly designed dental hygiene care programme using flash-based video, brochures and a toothpick method was implemented by five dental hygienists. Plaque index, stimulated saliva, subjective oral dryness and dental caries activity were analysed as outcome variables. RESULTS: Results showed that the dental plaque index significantly decreased after each session (P < 0.0001) in all three groups, and significant differences were found between groups (P = 0.036). Patients' oral dryness decreased significantly, but stimulated saliva and dental caries activity did not improve. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the dental hygiene care programme, which made use of a short, 10-min flash-based video and brochures every 4 weeks, was effective in reducing the dental plaque index of patients with mental disorders.

A randomized clinical trial of the anti-caries efficacy of 5,000 compared to 1,450 ppm fluoridated toothpaste on root caries lesions in elderly disabled nursing home residents.

Root caries is prevalent in elderly disabled nursing home residents in Denmark. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of tooth brushing with 5,000 versus 1,450 ppm of fluoridated toothpaste (F-toothpaste) for controlling root caries in nursing home residents. The duration of the study was 8 months. Elderly disabled residents (n = 176) in 6 nursing homes in the Copenhagen area consented to take part in the study. They were randomly assigned to use one of the two toothpastes. Both groups had their teeth brushed twice a day by the nursing staff. A total of 125 residents completed the study. Baseline and follow-up clinical examinations were performed by one calibrated examiner. Texture, contour, location and colour of root caries lesions were used to evaluate lesion activity. No differences (p values >0.16) were noted in the baseline examination with regards to age, mouth dryness, wearing of partial or full dentures in one of the jaws, occurrence of plaque and active (2.61 vs. 2.67; SD, 1.7 vs.1.8) or arrested lesions (0.62 vs. 0.63; SD, 1.7 vs. 1.7) between the 5,000 and the 1,450 ppm fluoride groups, respectively. Mean numbers of active root caries lesions at the follow-up examination were 1.05 (2.76) versus 2.55 (1.91) and mean numbers of arrested caries lesions were 2.13 (1.68) versus 0.61 (1.76) in the 5,000 and the 1,450 ppm fluoride groups, respectively (p < 0.001). To conclude, 5,000 ppm F-toothpaste is significantly more effective for controlling root caries lesion progression and promoting remineralization compared to 1,450 ppm F-toothpaste.

Oral health in patients on haemodialysis for diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to clarify differences in oral health status between patients who needed haemodialysis (HD) owing to diabetic nephropathy (DN) and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight HD patients who were 50-70 years old were selected as the study subjects [DN group (29 subjects) and CGN group (69 subjects)] to compare with 106 control subjects (control group) not undergoing HD. All HD subjects underwent oral- and systemic-related examination just before HD therapy. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth present in the DN group was significantly less than in the CGN and control groups. The mean percentage of sites with bleeding on probing in the DN group was greater than in the CGN and control groups. The mean salivary flow rate in the DN and CGN groups was significantly lower compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The patients undergoing HD for DN were found to have fewer teeth and worse periodontal health compared with those undergoing HD for CGN and with the control subjects not undergoing HD. Furthermore, the dental and periodontal health of the patients undergoing HD for CGN was comparable to that of the controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For effective measures of prevention and improvement of oral health in HD patients, clinicians should be aware of the differences in the characteristics of the oral health between patients undergoing HD for DN and CGN.

A systematic review of methods to diagnose oral dryness and salivary gland function.

BACKGROUND: The most advocated clinical method for diagnosing salivary dysfunction is to quantitate unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva (sialometry). Since there is an expected and wide variation in salivary flow rates among individuals, the assessment of dysfunction can be difficult. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of the evidence for the efficacy of diagnostic methods used to identify oral dryness. METHODS: A literature search, with specific indexing terms and a hand search, was conducted for publications that described a method to diagnose oral dryness. The electronic databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were used as data sources. Four reviewers selected publications on the basis of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from the selected publications using a protocol. Original studies were interpreted with the aid of Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool. RESULTS: The database searches resulted in 224 titles and abstracts. Of these abstracts, 80 publications were judged to meet the inclusion criteria and read in full. A total of 18 original studies were judged relevant and interpreted for this review. In all studies, the results of the test method were compared to those of a reference method.Based on the interpretation (with the aid of the QUADAS tool) it can be reported that the patient selection criteria were not clearly described and the test or reference methods were not described in sufficient detail for it to be reproduced. None of the included studies reported information on uninterpretable/intermediate results nor data on observer or instrument variation. Seven of the studies presented their results as a percentage of correct diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the efficacy of clinical methods to assess oral dryness is sparse and it can be stated that improved standards for the reporting of diagnostic accuracy are needed in order to assure the methodological quality of studies. There is need for effective diagnostic criteria and functional tests in order to detect those individuals with oral dryness who may require oral treatment, such as alleviation of discomfort and/or prevention of diseases.

Do we need new diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome?

Diagnostic and classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) continue to evolve as more is learned about SS and about autoimmune diseases in general. Among diagnostic or classification criteria for SS that are in current use, most include various and variable combinations of results from questions about symptoms and objective tests, many of which are not specific to SS. Given the rapid increase of genetic knowledge about other autoimmune diseases and the potential of finding and testing new biological agents to treat SS, selection of patients who have as uniform a disease process as possible becomes an important goal to better understand and treat this prevalent autoimmune disease. Such is the goal and promise of the latest entry into the SS classification criteria field.

A phase II study of submandibular gland transfer prior to radiation for prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia in head-and-neck cancer (RTOG 0244).

PURPOSE: We report the results of a phase II study to determine the reproducibility of a submandibular salivary gland transfer (SGT) surgical technique for prevention of radiation (XRT)-induced xerostomia in a multi-institutional setting and to assess severity of xerostomia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible patients had surgery for primary, neck dissection, and SGT, followed by XRT, during which the transferred salivary gland was shielded. Intensity modulated radiation therapy, amifostine, and pilocarpine were not allowed, but postoperative chemotherapy was allowed. Each operation was reviewed by 2 reviewers and radiation by 1 reviewer. If 13 or more (of 43) were "not per protocol," then the technique would be considered not reproducible as per study design. The secondary endpoint was the rate of acute xerostomia, grade 2 or higher, and a rate of ≤ 51% was acceptable. RESULTS: Forty-four of the total 49 patients were analyzable: male (81.8%), oropharynx (63.6%), stage IV (61.4%), median age 56.5 years. SGT was "per protocol" or within acceptable variation in 34 patients (77.3%) and XRT in 79.5%. Nine patients (20.9%) developed grade 2 acute xerostomia; 2 had grade 0-1 xerostomia (4.7%) but started on amifostine/pilocarpine. Treatment for these 11 patients (25.6%) was considered a failure for the xerostomia endpoint. Thirteen patients died; median follow-up for 31 surviving patients was 2.9 years. Two-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 76.4% and 71.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of submandibular SGT is reproducible in a multicenter setting. Seventy-four percent of patients were prevented from XRT-induced acute xerostomia.

Oral status, oral hygiene, and patient satisfaction in the elderly with dental implants dependent on substantial needs of care for daily living.

Using osseointegrated implants to replace teeth is a routine procedure today. This study investigated oral status, oral hygiene habits, and patient satisfaction in elderly with dental implants who were dependent on substantial support for daily living. Twenty-six persons over the age of 65 who were dependent on supportive care were examined. Data collected included the number of teeth and implants, plaque scores, bleeding on probing, and oral hygiene habits. Self-perceived knowledge about managing their implants and satisfaction with the implants was recorded. Subjects had a total of 148 natural teeth and 144 implants. Only a few signs of oral disease were found and the tissues around implants were healthier than around natural teeth. No correlations between oral hygiene habits and plaque scores or bleeding were found. A majority of the subjects were satisfied with their implants. Dental implants have satisfactory function even in individuals who are elderly and have substantial needs for supportive care.

Associations of instrumental activities of daily living and handgrip strength with oral self-care among home-dwelling elderly 75+.

OBJECTIVE: To study the associations of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and the handgrip strength with oral self-care among dentate home-dwelling elderly people in Finland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analysed data for 168 dentate participants (mean age 80.6 years) in the population-based Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for Good Care of the Elderly (GeMS) study. Each participant received a clinical oral examination and structured interview in 2004-2005. Functional status was assessed using the IADL scale and handgrip strength was measured using handheld dynamometry. RESULTS: Study participants with high IADL (scores 7-8) had odds ratios (ORs) for brushing their teeth at least twice a day of 2.7 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.1-6.8], for using toothpaste at least twice a day of 2.0 (CI 0.8-5.2) and for having good oral hygiene of 2.8 (CI 1.0-8.3) when compared with participants with low IADL (scores ≤6). Participants in the upper tertiles of the handgrip strength had ORs for brushing the teeth at least twice a day of 0.9 (CI 0.4-1.9), for using the toothpaste at least twice a day of 0.9 (CI 0.4-1.8) and for good oral hygiene of 1.1 (CI 0.5-2.4) in comparison with the study subjects in the lowest tertile of handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the functional status, measured by means of the IADL scale, but not handgrip strength, is an important determinant of oral self-care among the home-dwelling elderly.