Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the general condition of elderly xerostomia patients, we collected their background and medication data in order to potentially treat their xerostomia. It is critical to identify the drugs causing xerostomia in elderly patients. A total of 521 patients who were examined at the Xerostomia Clinic of Osaka University Dental Hospital were included in the study. We obtained patients’ data on age, sex, number of primary illnesses, Saxon test scores, oral moisture test, subjective symptoms, and drug types from their clinical records.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 65.2 ± 13.3 years. Although all patients exhibited xerostomia symptoms, there were a lot of patients without hyposalivation. With respect to medication, each elderly xerostomia patient took an average of 6.8 ± 4.4 medicines. A total of 26.1% of patients in their 70 s took more than ten number of drugs. In addition, the number of frequently used medication medicine was different between elderly and young patients. Most of the medicines had xerostomia as a side effect in medical package inserts. Moreover, the quantity of salivation significantly decreased in patients who took more than seven drugs in comparison with the patients who did not take medicine.ConclusionsAs patients age, the number of medications they take tends to increase, subsequently increasing their risk of xerostomia. For the health of the patients, it is critical that an accurate diagnosis is made.Clinical relevanceTo establish therapeutic strategies for treatment of xerostomia, this study provides new and important information that will help in the development of xerostomia medical treatment.
Highlights
Xerostomia leads to various life-disrupting effects [1], because saliva has several physiological functions
This study aims to examine the medication for the purpose of providing new treatment strategies for xerostomia patients
It is evident that elderly patients exhibited more serious hyposalivation than young patients from two inspections
Summary
Xerostomia leads to various life-disrupting effects [1], because saliva has several physiological functions. Salivary gland diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and iatrogenic cause such as aftereffects of radiation therapy cause serious hypofunction. Clinical Oral Investigations study undertook a detailed analysis of the medications in xerostomia patients. To potentially develop possible treatment methods for xerostomia, collecting xerostomia patients’ basic data is significantly important. Basic data promote the establishment of the diagnostic methods and the development of possible treatment methods for xerostomia. We collected the basic data of patients in the outpatient department and performed clinical examination. This study aims to examine the medication for the purpose of providing new treatment strategies for xerostomia patients
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have