Xerostomia Inventory Research Articles

Qualitative analysis of serum estrogen, parathyroid and calcium levels in postmenopausal women with oral dryness- A case-control study

Background: The emergence of oral dryness unrelated to salivary flow volume has always raised many questions over the hypothesis of oral dryness in postmenopausal women. The current research article tries to focus on qualitative changes in saliva in the postmenopausal women suffering from oral dryness. Aim and Objectives: To correlate the severity of oral dryness with qualitative changes in serum estrogen, serum parathyroid (PTH), serum calcium levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methodology: This case-control study was carried out on 60 postmenopausal women with 30 forming the case groups as having oral dryness and 30 forming control group without oral dryness. The severity of oral dryness was assessed through the Xerostomia Inventory Score (XI Score). Serum estrogen and serum parathyroid levels were assessed by the ELISA method and serum calcium levels were assessed by Arsenazo III reaction using a semi-autoanalyzer in all participants. Statistical analysis was done by student's t- test and Pearson correlation. Results: Significant differences were observed in the mean values of serum estrogen levels, serum parathyroid levels, and XI score between the case and control groups. (P < 0.001). Serum calcium levels did not show significant variation (P= 0.385) between the groups. The correlation proved that there was an inverse correlation between estrogen levels and XI scores (r-value -0.777). Conclusion: The severity of oral dryness was associated with decreased levels of estrogen and increased levels of parathyroid hormones in postmenopausal women. Fall in estrogen levels is associated with an increase in oral dryness.

Effectiveness of oral exercise on oral function among the elderly.

Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of oral exercise on oral function among the elderly at a selected old age home in Chennai.Research Design:The present study adopted a one-group pretest and posttest (preexperimental) design.Methods:Participants received intervention “oral exercise“ which comprised of exercises for expression muscles (orbicularis oculi, buccinator and orbicularis oris), tongue, salivary glands, and swallowing. The pre- and posttests included assessment of oral function (dry mouth symptoms, amount of salivary pH, salivary secretion, size of mouth opening, halitosis, and oral motor function) using summated xerostomia inventory, spitting into a measuring container for 10 min, pH meter, Vernier caliper, organoleptic test, and Sunnybrook facial grading system, respectively.Results:Using nonprobability convenience sampling technique, a total of 48 older people living in an old age home who met the inclusion and dental screening criteria were recruited. There was a statistically considerable difference noted in the mean scores of the dry mouth symptoms (t = 11.88), amount of salivary secretions (t = 17.05), salivary pH (t = 8.68), size of mouth opening (t = 14.76), halitosis (t = 13.13), and oral motor function (t = 11.52) at P <.001 before and after oral exercise among the elderly.Conclusion:Oral exercise as a self-regulating intervention can efficiently promote oral health of older people.

Patient-related outcomes in Sjögren syndrome treated with stimulants of salivary secretion: Randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the impact of gustatory stimulants of salivary secretion (GSSS) on Sjögren's syndrome patients' self-perception of xerostomia, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and salivary secretion. A total of 110 Sjögren's syndrome patients were randomly allocated to be treated with either a malic acid lozenge or a citric acid mouthwash and then crossed over. Before and after the interventions, the Xerostomia Inventory 5 (SXI-5-PL) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14-PT) questionnaires (both in the Portuguese language) were administered to patients. Unstimulated, mechanical and gustatory-stimulated salivary flows were determined. Repeated measures and between-subject analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at 5%. After the intervention and within each group, both GSSS elicited a reduction in the SXI-5-PL and OHIP-14-PT scores and an increase in salivary output, significant in the malic acid lozenge group. The malic acid treatment resulted in a greater effect size and percentage improvement than citric acid mouthwash. The malic acid lozenge also produced a significant greater salivary output than the citric acid rising solution. In Sjögren's syndrome patients, lozenges containing malic acid increased saliva production and xerostomia relief, resulting in improved quality of life.

Whole saliva and residual mucosal saliva in patients with burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study

Objectives Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition. Xerostomia is a common complaint among patients with BMS. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding salivary flow rate reduction among these patients. The aim of this study was to examine unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) flow rates, degree of mucosal hydration, and xerostomia in female patients with BMS compared with controls. Study Design The study included female patients diagnosed with BMS (ICD-10 code K14.6) at a university oral medicine clinic. Controls were similarly aged women without BMS. Collection of salivary samples and other data took place during a 1-hour session between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. UWS was collected under resting conditions by passive drooling into a plastic tube for 10 minutes; to assess mucosal hydration, residual mucosal saliva (RMS) was collected by using filter paper strips, from 4 mucosal sites—anterior hard palate, buccal mucosa, anterior tongue, and lower lip. The strips were then placed in a microcentrifuge tube and weighed. SWS was collected while the patient chewed on gum base for 5 minutes. Low UWS was defined as 0.1 mL/min or less and low SWS as 0.7 mL/min or less. Participants completed the Short Form of the Xerostomia Inventory (SXI-D). We used the χ2 test to assess the association between UWS, SWS, and BMS and t tests to assess the differences in residual mucosal saliva (RMS) levels. Results Fifty-six women (27 cases and 29 controls) participated in this study. Mean age was 61 years for cases and 58 for controls (n.s.). Most participants in each group were postmenopausal; 66% of cases versus 38% of controls had low UWS (P = .03; and 48% of cases versus 34% of controls had low SWS (P =.06). Compared with controls, BMS cases had lower mean levels of tongue RMS (0.007 g vs 0.01 g; P = .03); 55% of the cases versus 7% of controls reported xerostomia (P Conclusions Patients with BMS had statistically significant reductions in UWS and tongue RMS and a higher prevalence of xerostomia. Low hydration of the tongue should be further investigated as a possible trigger of xerostomia sensation.

Acupuncture for patients with cancer-induced xerostomia: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionXerostomia is a common symptom in patients with cancer. Currently available methods to manage xerostomia include stringent oral hygiene using fluoride agents and antimicrobials, saliva substitutes and sialagogic agents, but...

Degrees of xerostomia? A Rasch analysis of the Xerostomia Inventory.

The global demographic changes resulting in an ageing population require attention on xerostomia, as its prevalence appears to increase with age. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) is a 11-item instrument developed to evaluate the symptoms and behavioural components of xerostomia, while a shortened 5-item version named Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) was later proposed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the construct validity of the XI and whether the SXI can provide a shortened version. Since previous studies focused only on dimensionality and reliability, we employed modern psychometric methodology to investigate properties such as differential item functioning (DIF) and targeting. The XI was applied to 164 middle-aged to older adults who participated in a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of alcohol-containing mouth rinse in Singapore. The psychometric properties of the XI were investigated with the Rasch model (Partial Credit Model). Overall model fit was evaluated with a summary chi-square statistic. Item fit was evaluated with the Fit Residual, and values between -2.5 and 2.5 are considered acceptable. DIF by sex was evaluated through a two-way ANOVA of the residuals. After collapsing the categories of "Hardly ever" and "Fairly often", the test of global fit (χ2 (30)=34.32, P=.27) indicated overall fit to the Rasch model. Since Fit Residuals were between -2 and 2, the fit of individual items was also adequate. No DIF was found between men and women, and targeting was adequate (μ=-0.56). The current study expanded the evidence on the XI and SXI validity and provides new implications for practice: a 3-point categorization ("Never," "Occasionally" and "Very often") should be preferred rather than the original 5-point categorization; the XI and SXI scores can be compared between men and women and will reflect true differences in xerostomia rather than measurement bias.

Associated factors with interstitial lung disease and health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the current situation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) in China. The relationships between social demography, disease activity, psychological status, clinical variables, and ILD were analyzed. Besides that, the quality of life (QoL) in pSS with ILD was also analyzed. In the cross-sectional study, 101 pSS patients participated in this study. Under the guidance of the researchers, the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI), the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI), and other related questionnaires were completed. Independent sample t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and correlational analysis were used. The data showed that 28 (30.1%) pSS people with ILD. The occurrence and development of ILD were associated with disease duration, fatigue, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutrophils, albumin, and use of hormone. The survey also found that the QoL of pSS-ILD was significantly lower than non-ILD, especially the score in the dimension of role physical function. ILD was very common in pSS. ILD had a significant negative impact on the QoL of patients. Therefore, it is of great significance to strengthen the early intervention and drug treatment of pSS patients to prevent ILD and improve their QoL.Key Points• This cross-sectional study finds that the incidence of ILD in patients with pSS is 30.1%.• The occurrence and development of ILD is associated with disease duration, fatigue, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutrophils, albumin, and use of hormone.•The study also finds that the QoL of pSS-ILD is significantly lower than in patients with non-ILD, especially the score in the dimension of role physical function.

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

Periodontitis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population by triggering systemic inflammation. To investigate the relationship between systemic inflammation and periodontitis, and clarify any association between severe periodontitis and the medications used by patients receiving haemodialysis. A cross-sectional study. The study was undertaken with 56 patients receiving haemodialysis. 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. 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, β 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. Drugs, including β 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.

Association between symptoms of xerostomia and dry eye in older people

PurposeTo explore the association between xerostomia and dry eye symptoms in the older adult population. MethodsSecondary analysis of data from 627 participants (346 male, 291 female), with a mean ± SD age of 75 ± 7 years, recruited through the population-based South Australian Dental Longitudinal Study. Participants completed the validated Summated Xerostomia Inventory–Dutch Version questionnaire (SXI-D), and rated their overall frequency of dry eye symptoms at baseline. ResultsSymptomatic dry eye was reported by 31% of participants, and xerostomia by 21%. A positive correlation was observed between dry eye symptoms and SXI-D scores (Spearman’s rho = +0.379, p < 0.001). Overall, participants with symptomatic dry eye had higher SXI-D scores than those without (10.6 ± 3.6 vs. 8.1 ± 2.8, p < 0.001), and were more likely to report xerostomia, with an odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.25 (1.52–3.35; p < 0.001). ConclusionsSymptoms of xerostomia and dry eye were relatively common in the cohort of older adult participants. The potentially debilitating implications of – and positive association between – the two types of sicca symptoms support the routine evaluation of xerostomia symptoms as part of the assessment of dry eye patients, and vice versa.

Investigation of the relationship between sleep disorders and xerostomia.

To investigate the relationship between sleep disorders, morning hyposalivation, and subjective feeling of dry mouth. A cross-sectional, observational, clinical study was carried out in a homogenous population sample which consists of Greek male soldiers without any medical history. After the application of oral modified Schirmer test, the sample was divided into a study group (n = 63) (MST < 25mm/3min) and a control group (n = 110) (MST ≥ 25mm/3min). In order to assess daytime sleepiness, risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep quality, sleep bruxism (SB), and subjective feeling of dry mouth, all the participants filled in the following scales in Greek version: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), a SB questionnaire, and Xerostomia Inventory (XI) respectively. In every subgroup that came of ESS, PSQI, BQ, and SB questionnaire scoring, subjective feeling of dry mouth was evaluated, based on XI values. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) through PSQI scores was found between the study and control group. In contrast, a statistically significant difference was not obtained for the scores of ESS (p = 0.293), BQ (p = 0.089), and SB questionnaire (p = 0.730). XI scores introduced statistically significant difference between the subgroups of PSQI (p < 0.001), BQ (p = 0.001), SB questionnaire (p = 0.004) and statistically weak between the subgroups of ESS (p = 0.049). This is the first research study so far suggesting that patients with morning hyposalivation exhibit poor sleep quality using an objective method. The present results have, also, shown that subjective feeling of dry mouth is related to excessive daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep bruxism, but larger-scale studies are still needed. These findings should keep dentists aware of a possible association between xerostomia and sleep disorders and support larger-scale studies.

Validating the Xerostomia Inventory in a radiation-induced xerostomia population in German language.

Though xerostomia is a frequent oral symptom, there is no validated disease-specific questionnaire in German. The purpose of this study was to translate and validate versions of the Xerostomia Inventory and the Summated Xerostomia Inventory in a German-speaking population. Thirty-nine patients including 18 patients suffering from radiation-induced xerostomia enrolled in this study. Both questionnaires were translated into German language according to international accepted guidelines. For validation, we evaluated reliability, validity, and responsiveness using the COSMIN manual for cross-cultural adaptation. Cronbach's α was 0.92 for XI and 0.91 for SXI, showing both high internal consistency. Patients suffering from xerostomia showed significantly higher average scores demonstrating its discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed excellent "goodness-of-fit" values for SXI and good to moderate values for XI, confirming the assumed factor structures. The Xerostomia Inventory and its summated version both showed excellent test-retest reliability in the non-xerostomia group (ICC=0.85 and 0.84). The XI and SXI in their cross-cultural adapted versions are the first validated self-report assessments for xerostomia in German language. They are characterized by practical design and can be easily interpreted by the treating physician.

Personality, xerostomia and OHRQoL among 35–54-year-olds

Objective: Personality characteristics mean that people may interpret similar symptoms differently, complicating the measurement of self-reported oral health, and so we tested the hypothesis that controlling for aspects of personality makes a difference to the association between xerostomia and oral-health-related quality of life.Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of a representative adult population sample in Dunedin (New Zealand). Data were collected on xerostomia, OHRQoL and personality characteristics, using (respectively) the 5-item Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI), the OHIP-14 and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Negative binomial regression was used to model the association between the SXI and the OHIP-14 scores, and models with and without the PANAS score were compared.Results: The participation rate was 51.3%, with complete OHIP-14 data available for 250 individuals (56.5% female). The SXI score (mean 6.9, sd 1.8) was strongly and positively associated with the OHIP-14 score (in both models), as was the PANAS negative affect score in the second model, which also explained slightly more of the observed variance than the first model. However, the difference in model deviance fell short of the amount required to reject the hypothesis that adding the PANAS variables to the model made a significant difference.Conclusions: Considering aspects of personality in investigating OHRQoL remains a theoretically important undertaking, but adjusting for it in analyses of associations between xerostomia and OHRQoL is unlikely to be necessary.

Longitudinal Changes in the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index in Real-Life Practice

Objective. To investigate longitudinal changes in the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjogren’s syndrome patient reported index (ESSPRI) and to study the clinical features associated with favorable ESSPRI changes in primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). Methods. At baseline and after a median period of 6.6 years, 41 pSS patients were evaluated using the ESSPRI, EULAR Sjogren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), short-form 36, xerostomia inventory (XI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for symptoms. The favorable subgroup included patients who were stable or showed improved to satisfactory symptom status (ESSPRI＜5) and the unfavorable subgroup included those with stable or worsening to an unsatisfactory symptom status (ESSPRI ≥5). Results. Median ESSPRI increased from 4.11 to 5.33 (p＜0.05), although XI scores (p=0.01) and oral dryness (p＜0.05) were significantly decreased. Serum immunoglobulin G level was significantly reduced (p＜0.001) but ESSDAI scores were unchanged. Six (14.6%) patients showed clinical improvement in ESSDAI, and 11 (26.8%) showed improvement in ESSPRI. On comparing the favorable (n=17) and unfavorable (n=24) subgroups, the former exhibited significantly lower VAS scores for sicca and depression and XI and ESSPRI scores at baseline (all p＜0.05) and more lacrimal flow (p＜0.05). The favorable subgroup received a significantly lower cumulative dose of pilocarpine and glucocorticoids (both p＜0.05). Conclusion. About 25% of pSS patients showed clinically significant ESSPRI improvement and about 40% showed a favorable ESSPRI course. Because the favorable subgroup had more lacrimal flow and less sicca symptoms at baseline, long-term patient-derived outcomes could depend on residual exocrine function at pSS diagnosis. (J Rheum Dis 2019;26:191-199)

Impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of patients submitted to head and neck radiotherapy

Background The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of patients who underwent radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study. The sample comprised 40 patients whose xerostomia was classified through the xerostomia inventory and the quality of life evaluated through the oral health impact profile questionnaire (OHIP). Results The majority of participants were male (75%), mean age 58.7 years. According to the degree of severity of the xerostomia, the average score among the participants was 36 points, this being considered moderate xerostomia. A significant impact was observed, with the median score 11 points, with the highest scores in the domains related to functional limitation, physical pain and physical disability. The majority of the participants (97.5%) had reduced salivary flow after the end of radiotherapy. There was a significant positive correlation between the degree of xerostomia and reduced quality of life, Pearson correlation 0.5421, (p< 0.05). Conclusions Based upon the results it is concluded that xerostomia has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients who undergo radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Key words:Head and neck neoplasms, radiotherapy, xerostomia, quality of life.

Assessment of Salivary Flow and Anxiety in Patients Rehabilitated with Implant-Supported Prostheses.

Background:The aim of this study was to verify, through self-assessment questionnaires, the influence of implant-supported prosthesis in salivary flow and anxiety of patients rehabilitated with them.Materials and Methods:Visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire about xerostomia and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied before (T1) and after 2 days (T2) and 3 weeks (T3) of prostheses installation. The study included patients rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses containing three or more dental elements. A total of 17 patients were evaluated.Results:In VAS questionnaire, there was a significant increase in the difficulty of speaking and swallowing with dry mouth. The other VAS questions showed no statistically significant difference, indicating no changes in patients’ salivary flow.Conclusions:It was concluded that the installation of implant-supported prostheses does not lead to major changes in patients’ perception about their salivary flow and psychological state, causing no improvement or worsening in the characteristics evaluated.

Long-term effects of radioiodine treatment on salivary gland function in adult survivors of pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a rare disease. Initial treatment of DTC consists of a (near) total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy. Previous studies in adults showed that 131I treatment may result in a reduced salivary gland function. Studies regarding salivary gland function in children treated for DTC are sparse. Our aim was to assess long-term effects of 131I treatment on salivary gland function in survivors of pediatric DTC. Methods: In a nationwide cross-sectional study, salivary gland function of patients treated for pediatric DTC between 1970 and 2013 (>5 years after diagnosis, ≥18 years old at time of evaluation) was studied. Salivary gland function was assessed by sialometry, sialochemistry and a xerostomia inventory. Salivary gland dysfunction was defined as unstimulated whole saliva flow ≤0.2mL/min and/or a stimulated whole saliva flow ≤0.7 mL/min. Results: Sixty-five patients (median age at evaluation 33 [IQR, 25-40] years, 86.2% female, median follow-up period 11 [IQR, 6-22] years) underwent 131I treatment. Median cumulative 131I activity was 5.88 [IQR, 2.92-12.95] GBq, 47.7% underwent multiple 131I administrations. Salivary gland dysfunction was present in 30 (47.6%) patients. Levels of amylase and total protein in saliva were reduced. Moderate to severe xerostomia was present in 22 (35.5%) patients. Stimulated salivary secretion was lower and severity of xerostomia complaints higher in patients treated with higher cumulative 131I activity. Conclusion: In survivors of pediatric DTC, clinically significant salivary gland dysfunction was found in 35.5% and was related to the cumulative 131I activity of the treatment.

Initial clinical experience performing sialendoscopy for salivary gland protection in patients undergoing 225Ac-PSMA-617 RLT.

The main side effect of prostate-specific membrane antigen targeting alpha therapy (PSMA TAT) is dry mouth syndrome. Inflammation of the salivary glands and consequent reduced salivary function have been reported in patients after radioiodine therapy. The beneficial effects of sialendoscopy on radiation-induced inflammation in tissue are well known. Thus sialendoscopy with dilatation, saline irrigation and steroid injections (prednisolone) was performed before and after 225Ac-PSMA-617 TAT to reduce inflammatory effects in the salivary glands and to improve or prevent xerostomia. Eleven men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mean age 68.5years, range 58-80years) underwent sialendoscopy, dilatation, saline irrigation and steroid injection of both submandibular and both parotid glands before or after every cycle of 225Ac-PSMA-617 TAT. Sialendoscopy and steroid injection were performed by a senior ENT physician. Quality of life was evaluated using two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires, the Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) before and 3months after the intervention. In all 11 patients both parotid and both submandibular glands were affected by radiation sialadenitis and sialendoscopy was performed. The patients experienced no complications after sialendoscopy, and showed a significant improvement in HRQOL as measured using the XQ and XI. After sialendoscopy the XQ score decreased significantly from 77.7 ± 13.6 to 42.7 ± 14.8 (p = 0.003) and the XI score decreased from 44.5 ± 6.9 to 25.8 ± 12.8 (p = 0.003). Due to the limited number of patients we only report tendencies. Sialendoscopy with dilatation, saline irrigation and steroid injection had beneficial effects on salivary gland function and HRQOL in patients undergoing 225Ac-PSMA-617 RLT. However, even with sialadenoscopic support after multiple cycles of TAT, salivary gland function was reduced and xerostomia was present. Therefore, not only inflammation but also the direct effect of radiation is a putative cause of dry mouth. Further research is necessary to determine the main side effects of PSMA TAT.

Impact of sialendoscopy on improving health related quality of life in patients suffering from radioiodineinduced xerostomia.

Xerostomia following radioiodine therapy (RIT) in patients suffering from differentiated thyroid cancer is a common side effect in 2 % to 67 % of patients treated with radioiodine (I-131). In order to evaluate the impact of sialendoscopy on health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients suffering from therapy induced sialadenitis and xerostomia, we analyzed findings from two dedicated questionnaires (Xerostomy Questionnaire XQ and Xerostomy Inventory XI) in patients before and three months after sialendoscopy. In total, 12 patients suffering from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (10 women and 2 men) were evaluated. All patients had experienced conservative management. Patients were offered a sialendoscopy procedure if no major contradictions were present. Patients who denied the procedure formed the control group. Pre- and (three months) postoperative HRQOL was measured with the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI), as well as by a pre- and post-interventional salivary gland scintigram. Patients were graded according to their sialendoscopical findings. Interventional group presented with significant improvements in HRQOL measurements regarding XQ and XI-scores three months postoperatively. Control group showed no significant changes in the XQ or the XI scores. Number of RIT and cumulative activity of I-131 did not correlate with higher disease grade in regards to sialendoscopical findings nor did it correlate with higher XQand XI scores. Pre- and post-interventional salivary gland scintigram stated that parotid glands are more severely damaged than submandibular glands (SMG), but no significant scintigraphically changes could be detected after sialendoscopy. Sialendoscopy in patients suffering from therapy induced sialadenitis and xerostomia seems to be beneficial when evaluating the impact on HRQOL. Functional parameters measured by salivary gland scintigram did not show significant changes in post-interventional scintigrams.

Salivary adiponectin, but not adenosine deaminase, correlates with clinical signs in women with Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study.

To evaluate salivary adiponectin and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in women suffering from Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Salivary adiponectin and ADA were measured in patients with SS (n = 17) and compared to their values in healthy controls (n = 13) and patients suffering from drug-induced xerostomia (non-SS sicca group; n = 19). A clinical history was made for each patient, patients were examined clinically, and xerostomia inventory (XI) was performed. Salivary adiponectin corrected by total protein was higher in patients with SS than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05) or patients with non-SS sicca (P < 0.01) and correlated with XI (r = 0.555; P < 0.05). Salivary ADA was higher in patients with SS and non-SS sicca compared to controls (P < 0.05 in both cases). The results of the present study indicate that adiponectin and ADA are increased in the saliva of patients with SS. Salivary adiponectin corrected by total protein can be a potential biomarker of SS. NCT03156569.

Salivary Function and Oral Health Problems in Crohn's Disease Patients.

In Crohn's disease (CD) patients, many oral complaints have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether salivary function is contributing to reduced oral health in CD. Oral and dental complaints in patients were explored. The prevalence of xerostomia in conjunction with salivary flow rates and biochemical saliva composition was studied. The Xerostomia Inventory score (XI-score), the salivary flow rates, the concentrations of salivary amylase and mucin 5B, and the type of oral and dental complaints were evaluated. These outcomes were stratified by disease activity, using the Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ-9). Fifty-three CD patients in a Dutch tertiary referral hospital were included. Of the patients evaluated, 9.4% had hyposalivation under resting conditions, and 28.3% had hyposalivation under chewing stimulated conditions. Saliva secretion rates were not correlated to XI-scores. Median XI-score was 25 (11-45). XI-scores were correlated to the IBDQ scores (r = -0.352, P = 0.010). Salivary mucin 5B was correlated to disease activity (r = 0.295, P = 0.04). Regarding the number of oral complaints, a correlation with disease activity (HBI r = 0.349, P = 0.011) and experienced xerostomia (r = -0.554, P = 0.000) was observed. Oral and dental problems like oral ulcers (37.7%) and cavities (46%) occurred more frequently in CD patients, especially when compared with a non-IBD population. Oral and dental complaints are common in CD patients. Xerostomia is correlated with disease activity-associated quality of life and with the number of oral and dental complaints. Changes in salivary function may contribute to reduced oral health in CD patients. 10.1093/ibd/izy017_video1izy017.video15776803023001.