Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale Score Research Articles

Efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) tightly traps modern people. Its incidence shows an increased peak during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Acupuncture is regarded as an effective way to relieve anxiety symptoms. However, there are still controversies. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in patients with GAD. Four English and 3 Chinese databases were searched from their inception to January 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which acupuncture was the main intervention were included. The literature was independently screened and extracted by two investigators. The Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool was used for quality evaluation. Analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3.0 and STATA 15.0 software. The primary outcome was the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). The secondary indicators were the total effective rate, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Twenty-seven studies were included with a total of 1782 participants. The risk of performance bias or reporting bias for most of the included trials was unclear. Combined results showed the acupuncture group had better outcomes in the HAMA score [MD = -0.78, 95%CI (-1.09, -0.46)], the total effective rate [RR = 1.14, 95%CI (1.09, 1.19)], the SAS score [MD = -2.55, 95%CI (-3.31, -1.80)] compared with the control group. Regarding the number of adverse events, the acupuncture group was safer than the control group and scored less grade in the TESS score [MD = -1.54, 95%CI (-1.92, -1.17)]. Acupuncture can effectively relieve the anxiety symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder patients with fewer side effects, but randomized controlled trials with large sample size and high quality are also required to support the result.

Comparison between acupuncture and antidepressant therapy for the treatment of poststroke depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:In this paper, a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the efficacies of acupuncture and antidepressant therapy for the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD).Methods:The research team searched RCTs published on PubMed; Medline; Cochrane library; Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI); Wanfang; Embase; Scopus, and Sinomed from their respective establishments to January 2019. We evaluated the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) scores, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and total clinical efficacy using fixed effects models.Results:Fourteen RCTs, representing a total of 1124 patients, were studied. Results showed that acupuncture was more effective in improving HAMD scores at 3 weeks after administration (mean difference [MD] = −1.17, 95%CI = −2.18 to −0.16), at 4 weeks (MD = −4.44, 95% CI = −5.64 to −3.23), at 6 weeks (MD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.68 to −0.36), and at 8 weeks (MD = −4.33, 95% CI = −4.96 to −3.70). Similarly, acupuncture more dramatically decreased NIHSS scores (MD = −2.31, 95% CI = −2.53 to −2.09), and TESS scores (MD = −4.70, 95% CI = −4.93 to −4.48) than conventional Western medicinal therapy. Further, the total clinical efficacy in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than in the antidepressants group (risk ratio [RR] = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08–1.21).Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that acupuncture not only can reduce the severity of PSD, but also has significant effects on decreasing the appearance of other adverse events.

Meta-analysis of the clinical effectiveness of combined acupuncture and Western Medicine to treat post-stroke depression.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined acupuncture and Western Medicine in the treatment of post-stroke depression using a meta-analysis. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their establishment to August 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of combined acupuncture and Western Medicine to treat post-stroke depression. Two researchers independently extracted and cross-checked data, and then applied the modified Jadad scale and the Cochrane-recommended assessment method to evaluate the risk of bias. Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. A total of 1860 patients in 24 RCTs were analyzed. The results of the Meta-analysis showed that: (a) The effective rate of acupuncture + fluoxetine hydrochloride vs fluoxetine hydrochloride was significant [relative risk (RR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.08, 1.26)], as was that of acupuncture + flupentixol/melitracen vs flupentixol/melitracen [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.10, 1.37)]. (b) When analyzing Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)-17 scores, six trials showed that acupuncture combined with Western Medicine was superior to Western Medicine alone, and could relieve the depressive symptoms of patients. For HAMD-24 scores, five trials were included for acupuncture + fluoxetine hydrochloride vs fluoxetine hydrochloride, with significance at 2 weeks [WMD = －6.51, 95% CI(－ 8.62, － 4.40)], as well as at 4 weeks [WMD = －8.40, 95% CI (－11.86, －4.94)] and 8 weeks. (c)For the activities of daily living scale, acupuncture + fluoxetine hydrochloride vs fluoxetine hydrochloride [WMD = 22.65, 95% CI (18.34, 26.95)], acupuncture + flupentixol/melitracen vs flupentixol/melitracen [WMD = 8.08, 95% CI (2.57, 13.59)], acupuncture + sertraline hydrochloride vs sertraline hydrochloride [WMD = 6.94, 95% CI (3.59, 10.29)], and acupuncture + doxepin hydrochloride vs doxepin hydrochloride [WMD = 18.80, 95% CI (15.84, 21.76)] had significance. (d) For Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale scores, there was significance in all four included studies. The therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with Western Medicine on post-stroke depression are often better than those of Western Medicine alone, and fewer adverse reactions occur. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed to further confirm these findings.

Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole and sodium valproate in the treatment of Tourette syndrome

ObjectiveThis study compared the efficacy and tolerability of sodium valproate and aripiprazole in the treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS).Method24 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of TS from the Jiamusi Central Hospital between January 2014 and August 2017 were randomly divided into sodium valproate group and aripiprazole group according to the order of clinic visits and treated for 10 days. Tic severity was rated using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale for tics (CGI-Tics) and the adverse reactions were valued using the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) at baseline and at each follow-up visit.ResultsThe TTS score in the YGTSS scale decreased over time in both groups while the aripiprazole group was significantly higher on the 5th day (p < 0.05) and 10th day (p < 0.05) than the sodium valproate group. There was no significant difference in TESS score between the two groups.ConclusionsThe study indicates that the patients treated with sodium valproate injection have a faster onset time than the patients treated with oral aripiprazole in controlling tics.

Effects on female depression treated with the combined therapy of acupuncture and the five-element music therapy

To observe the clinical effects and safety on female depression treated with the combined therapy of acupuncture and the five-element music therapy. A total of 120 female patients with depression were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, an acupuncture group, a five-element music therapy group and a group of the combined therapy of acupuncture and the five-element music therapy (combined therapy group), 30 cases in each one. In the EA group, the electric stimulation of acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3), with disperse-dense wave, 10 Hz/50 Hz, and 0.5 ms in wavelength. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the acupuncture group, the acupoints were same as the EA group, but without electric stimulation. In the five-element music therapy group, the music of Jiao tune was adopted in the treatment. In the combined therapy group, the acupuncture treatment and the five-element music therapy were same as the acupuncture group and the five-element music therapy group, in which the music therapy was followed after acupuncture treatment. The treatment was given once a day, at 2 days of interval after every 5 treatments in a week, totally for 8 weeks. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) before and after treatment and the treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) after treatment were observed in each group. The clinical effects and safety were compared among the groups. The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the combined therapy group, better than 66.7% (20/30) in the EA group, 63.3% (19/30) in the acupuncture group and 53.3% (16/30) in the five-element music therapy group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, HAMD and HAMA scores were all reduced obviously in the patients of the 4 groups (all P<0.01), and the scores in the combined therapy group were lower than the other 3 groups (all P<0.01). The TESS score in the combined therapy group was lower than the other 3 groups (all P<0.01) and the score in the five-element music therapy group was lower than the EA group and the acupuncture group (both P<0.01). In the female patients, the combined treatment with acupuncture and the five-element music therapy obviously reduces the severity of depression and anxiety, as well as the adverse reactions. The effects are better than the simple application of EA, acupuncture or music therapy.

Effect of music therapy derived from the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine on post-stroke depression

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of five phase music therapy in patients with depression after ischemic stroke. MethodsA total of 92 patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into the control group (32 cases), treatment group A (30 cases), and treatment group B (30 cases). All groups were given basic therapies for cerebral infarction. In addition, the control group was administerd 50 mg of oral sertraline hydrochloride daily, while treatment groups A and B received needling at Baihui (GV 20) plus acupoint injection at Yanglingquan (GB 34) daily; treatment group B also received music therapy derived from the five phases in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory twice daily. All treatments were administered for 5 days per treatment cycle for three cycles, with a 1 day interval between cycles. In all three groups, Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17) score and the activities of daily life (ADL) score were measured before and after treatment, and side effects were assessed with the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale. ResultsThe HAMD-17 score significantly decreased after treatment in all three groups, and the post-treatment reduction in HAMD-17 score was markedly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A (P < 0.01). The ADL score significantly increased after treatment in all three groups, and the post-treatment increase in ADL score was significantly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A (P < 0.01). The Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale score was highest in the control group, and lowest in group B, and significantly differed between the three groups (P < 0.01). ConclusionFive phase music therapy plus acupoint needling and acupoint injection can improve the symptoms in patients with post-stroke depression.

Prevalence of optimal blood pressure values in digital-savvy hypertensives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of five phase music therapy in patients with depression after ischemic stroke.A total of 92 patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into the control group (32 cases), treatment group A (30 cases), and treatment group B (30 cases). All groups were given basic therapies for cerebral infarction. In addition, the control group was administerd 50 mg of oral sertraline hydrochloride daily, while treatment groups A and B received needling at Baihui (GV 20) plus acupoint injection at Yanglingquan (GB 34) daily; treatment group B also received music therapy derived from the five phases in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory twice daily. All treatments were administered for 5 days per treatment cycle for three cycles, with a 1 day interval between cycles. In all three groups, Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17) score and the activities of daily life (ADL) score were measured before and after treatment, and side effects were assessed with the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale.The HAMD-17 score significantly decreased after treatment in all three groups, and the post-treatment reduction in HAMD-17 score was markedly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A (P < 0.01). The ADL score significantly increased after treatment in all three groups, and the post-treatment increase in ADL score was significantly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A (P < 0.01). The Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale score was highest in the control group, and lowest in group B, and significantly differed between the three groups (P < 0.01).Five phase music therapy plus acupoint needling and acupoint injection can improve the symptoms in patients with post-stroke depression.

The effect of combined with aripiprazole to improve hyperprolactinemia caused by antipsychotic drugs

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined with aripiprazole to improve hyperprolactinemia caused by antipsychotic drugs. Methods 70 patients with schizophrenia who had been treated with antipsychotic drugs for 4 weeks prior to the study were divided into the two groups by random number table method: the treatment group(35 cases)were given each additionally 2.5 mg of aripiprazole oral,one time every day.The control group(35 cases)continued with no extra management.The treatment group on the basis of the original drug administered daily in combination with aripiprazole 2.5mg,the control group maintained the previous drug treatment. Serum prolactin concentrations were assayed in patients of both groups before treatment and after 4 weeks treatment. At the same time,used the positive and negative symptom scale(PANSS)to assess the state of the clinical symptoms.The side effects were evaluated by Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS). Results After combined with aripiprazole,it demonstrated that serum prolactin level in patients of the treatment group were significantly lowered [(78.64±30.15)μg/L vs(35.01±13.99)μg/L,t=9.585,P 0.05].There were no significant differences between the two groups of PANSS and TESS scores(all P>0.05). Conclusion Combined with aripiprazole for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia have a therapeutic effect and relatively safe. Key words: Aripiprazole; Psychotropic Drugs; Schizophrenia; Hyperprolactinemia

Association of CYP2D6 gene polymorphism and therapeutic efficacy of venlafaxine on depression in southern region of Fujian

Objective To explore the effect of CYP2D6 gene polymorphism on blood concentration, therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of anti-depression drug venlafaxine. Methods 69 cases of patients with depression were selected randomly from southern region of FuJian, China. The blood concentration of venlafaxine was detected by HPLC, and the CYP2D6 genotype was determined by sequencing with the amplified PCR products from peripheral blood DNA. The therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of venlafaxine were evaluated by Hamilton depression scale(HAMD) and treatment emergent symptom scale(TESS) respectively. Results Subjects was divided into CC, CT, TT three groups based on rs16947 locus genotyping. The blood concentrations of venlafaxine were (157.35±15.63)ng/ml, (70.17±5.11)ng/ml, (115.72±10.2)ng/ml respectively and there was no significant difference (F=1.257, P=0.301). The dose-corrected concentrations and normalized concentrations were not significantly different (F=1.683, 1.547, P>0.05). Similarly, the reduction rate of HAMD (CC: (40.6±7.23)%, CT: (51.7±7.09)%, TT: (42.8±14.1)%) and TESS scores (CC: 1.3±0.21, CT: 1.3±0.36, TT: 1.2±0.28) were not significantly different either (P>0.05). In 69 samples in this study, genotyping of rs3892097 locus only found GG type, and no further examination was performed. Genotyping divided rs1065852 locus into CC, CT, TT three groups. The blood concentrations of venlafaxine were (42.87±9.9)ng/ml, (64.25±13.59)ng/ml, (181.56±14.15)ng/ml respectively, and there was significant difference among the three groups (F=4.893, P=0.016). The dose-corrected concentrations and normalized concentrations were also significantly different (F=3.985, 3.648, P<0.05). The reduction rate of HAMD (CC: (42.6±8.23)%, CT: (48.8±10.8)%, TT: (63.4±9.15)%) was not significantly different (F=2.961, P=0.07). The difference of TESS scores was similar to that of HAMD reduction rate. Conclusion Among the 3 loci studied, only rs1065852 locus within CYP2D6 gene can affect its enzyme activity and then influence the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of venlafaxine. Key words: Venlafaxine; CYP2D6; Gene polymorphism; Blood concentration

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Factors Affect Cognitive Function in Chronic Schizophrenia Complicated by Metabolic Syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of cognitive function damage in chronic schizophrenia patients with metabolic syndrome (MS); 388 patients were divided into two groups: MS group (180 people with schizophrenia and MS) and non-MS group (208 people with schizophrenia but without MS). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms and drug adverse reaction. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess cognitive function. There was no significant change in PANSS (p = 0.53) and TESS score (p = 0.26) between the MS group and the non-MS group. However, RBANS total scale score as well as attention, immediate memory, and delayed memory scores in the MS group were significantly lower than those in the non-MS group (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in visuospatial skill (p = 0.07) and language scores (p = 0.08) between the two groups. Besides, course of disease, triglyceride, antipsychotic drug type, systolic pressure, negative symptom factor, and education level showed a notable significance for cognitive function damage in turn. MS might aggravate injury of cognitive function in chronic schizophrenia, especially in immediate memory, delayed memory, and attention.

Randomized controlled trial of four protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

BackgroundThe negative symptoms of schizophrenia are not effectively treated with antipsychotic medications. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an alternative approach that may be more effective in treating negative symptoms, but there has been little research comparing the effectiveness of different rTMS stimulation protocols.ObjectiveCompare the effect of four different rTMS protocols in the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.MethodsNinety-six patients with schizophrenia who had prominent negative symptoms were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: 10 Hz, 20 Hz, theta burst stimulation (TBS), and mock rTMS (i.e., the control group). In the first three groups, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was stimulated at 80% of the motor threshold five times per week for four weeks. Before and after the treatment, evaluators who were blind to the group assignment of patients administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS).ResultsThree of the 96 patients dropped out during the trial (two from the control group and one from the 20 Hz group). Compared to the control group, after 4 weeks of rTMS treatment all three treatment groups had lower scores on the PANSS negative symptom subscale, the PANSS general psychopathology subscale, and the SANS. The TBS group had significantly larger reductions in these scores than the 10 Hz group and the 20 Hz group, but there were no significant differences between the 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups. There were no pre- versus post-treatment differences in the PANSS positive symptom subscale scores between the four groups. No serious adverse events occurred and there were no statistically significant differences in the TESS scores across the four groups.ConclusionsWe find that rTMS, particularly the TBS stimulation protocol for rTMS, is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with schizophrenia who have prominent negative symptoms. Longitudinal studies with large samples are needed to optimize the rTMS treatment, to identify the stimulation protocol, duration, intensity and treatment interval that provides the best therapeutic result at the lowest risk to the patient.

A control study on treatment for benzodiazepine dependence with trazodone

Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of trazodone in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence. Methods Forty insomnia patients who met the Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders in China Third Edition (CCMD-3) of dependence syndrome due to benzodiazepine were involved in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to trazodone group and placebo group for 3 months. The efficacy were assessed by Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and polysomnography (PSG). Adverse events were assessed by Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Results The Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist of trazodone group was significantly lower after 7 d treatment than that of placebo group ( P = 0.000), and HAMA score of the trazodone group was also significantly lower after 15 d treatment than that of placebo group ( P = 0.000). There were no difference in Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist and HAMA of placebo group before and after treatment. Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist and HAMA of the trazodone group were decreased after treatment ( P = 0.000). In comparison with placebo group, sleep parameters of the trazodone, including total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL) and slow wave sleep (SWS) time presented improvement after 7 d treatment ( P = 0.000, for all). After trazodone treatment, total sleep time, slow wave sleep time, sleep efficiency and sleep latency were improved ( P = 0.000, for all). No obvious adverse reaction occurred. There were no significant differences in TESS scores between pre- and post-treatment in both groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Trazodone is markedly effective and safe in the treatment for benzodiazepine dependence.

Influence of paroxetine combined with Chaihuxiaoyao mixture on life quality of patients with depression

Objective: To evaluate the influence of Chaihuxiaoyao mixture(CXM) on life quality of patients with depression.Methods: One hundred and ninety patients with depression were randomly divided into paroxetine combined with CXM group(trial group) and paroxetine combined with placebo group(control group).The doses of CXM and placebo were 50 ml,bid.The initial dose and recommended dose of paroxetine were 20 mg/d,and the highest dose was 40 mg/d.All of the patients had a 8-week treatment.The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated before and after the treatment by Hamilton depression rating scale(HAMD) and the short form-36 health survey(SF-36),and the adverse drug reactions(ADRs) were evaluated by treatment emergent symptom scale(TESS).Results: One hundred and eighty-two patients completed the trial,89 cases in trial group and 93 cases in control group.Compared with the baseline,significant differences in HAMD scores and the SF-36 scores were observed in both groups after 8-week treatment(P0.01).After 8-week treatment,HAMD scores in trial group were significantly lower than those in control group,and SF-36 scores(vitality,emotional role and mental health) were significantly higher than those in control group(P0.01).There was no statistical difference in ADRs and the TESS scores between two groups(P0.05).Most ADRs were mild and moderate.Conclusion: Paroxetine combined with CXM is more effectiveness and can significantly improve quality of life in patients with depression,and the ADRs rate has no difference compared with placebo control group.

A clinical comparative study of citalopram augmented with aripiprzole on depression

Objective To explore the efficacy of low-dose aripiprazole combining with citalopram on the depression. Methods A total 57 patients with depression were randomly assigned to the study group and the control group. Either group was treated with a fixed dose 20 mg citalopram per day, and the study group was simultaneously titrated to low dose (5～10mg/d) of aripiprazole at initiating dose 2.5 mg per day within two weeks. They were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).Clinical Global Impression (CGI-SI) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS) before treatment and at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th week after treatment. The study lasted for 6 weeks. Results HAMD total score of either group were 11.54 ± 5.58 and 16.59 ± 6.67 respectively, which had statistically significant difference between two groups(t = 2.961, P 0.05). TESS scores were not statistically significant difference between two groups at each point of measure. Conclusion The results suggest low dose of aripiprazole augmentation of citalopram may be effective and safe in the treatment of depression. Key words: Depression; Citalopram; Aripiprazole

The Comparative Study on Treatment of Depressive Disorder with Jieyu Huatan Mixture

Objective Through observing clinical effects of Western medicine,Chinese medicine and Chinese combined with western medicine in the treatment of depressive disorder (DD),the author tried to investigate a safer,more effective and obedient therapeutic method. Methods 120 DD patients were randomly recruited into three groups.Patients in group A were orally given clomipramine 25mg,3/d and Jieyu Huatan mixture 50ml,2/d;Patients in group B were orally given Jieyu Huatan mixture 50ml,2/d;Patients in group C were orally given clomipramine 25rag,3/d.After 6 weeks,Hamilton's depression (HAMD) and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) scale were used to assess the efficacy and safety.Results Altogether116 patients completed the whole treatment.Total clinical effective rate,effective rate of symptom improvement,and HAMD total cut-rate were 95.00%,92.50%,69.13±29.47% in the group A,69.23%,64.10%,53.22±25.78 % in the group,and 70.27%,64.87%,53.47±26.29% in the group C respectively.Patients in the group A were significantly better than the other two groups (P＜0.01) in terms of the indications mentioned above,while no significant difference showed between the group B and the group C (P＞0.05).Meanwhile the TESS score in the group A and B was lower than the group C (P＜0.01),and there was no significant difference between the group A and the group B (P＞0.05).Conelusion The treatment of Jieyu Huatan mixture combined with clomipramine is more effective and faster onset of action,having fewer side effects and reasonable cost.This method is a good way in the treatment of depressive disorder. Key words: Depressive disorder; Jieyu Huatan mixture; Clomipramine

Investigation of the clinical value of total saliva flow rates

The symptom of dry mouth was correlated with unstimulated (UWSFR) and stimulated (SWSFR) whole-saliva flow rate on chewing medical paraffin in 62 patients with dry-mouth complaints (30 with Sjögren’s syndrome, 32 with sialosis) and 23 controls. The symptom of dry mouth was classified into grades 0,1,2,3,4 according to a Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). UWSFR and SWSFR were determined after fasting in the morning. UWSFR was 0.070±0.089 ml/min in Sjögren’s syndrome, 0.175±0.115 ml/min in sialosis, 0.330±0.188 ml/min in controls. SWSFR was 0.709±0.720 ml/min in Sjögren’s syndrome, 1.561±0.867 ml/min in sialosis, 1.894±0.661 ml/min in controls. A highly significant correlation was found between TESS score and UWSFR and between TESS score and SWSFR. Only UWSFR was decreased in the patients with a TESS score of 1 or 2, while both UWSFR and SWSFR were significantly decreased in the patients with TESS scores of 3, 4. It is concluded that UWSFR is more sensitive in relation to dry-mouth complaints than SWSFR, and that a mild dry mouth is mainly related to decreased UWSFR.