Dental caries and dental health behavior of patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

A cross-sectional study on activity impairment in primary Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to show relations between activity impairment and salivary gland involvement for patient empowerment in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

In the study, 86 patients with pSS were included. The data were collected through clinical examinations and a questionnaire regarding Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), EULAR Sjogren's syndrome patient-reported index (ESSPRI) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Relations were analysed by using mediation and moderation analyses. In simple mediation analysis, an independent variable (X) influences outcome variable (Y) through a mediator variable (M) whereas a moderator variable (W) affects the direction of the relationship between the dependent (Y) and independent variables (X).

RESULTS

Increases in ESSPRI-Dryness score (X) (p = 0.0189) and OHIP-14 score (M) (p = 0.0004) were associated with the poor WPAI activity impairment score (Y) in the first mediation analysis. The WPAI activity impairment score was mediated by the elevated ESSPRI-Fatigue score (X) (p = 0.03641) and low U-SFR (M) (p = 0.0000) in the second mediation analysis. In addition, ESSPRI-Pain score (W) was the significant moderator for WPAI activity impairment (Y) in patients without hyposalivation in the moderation analysis (p = 0.0010).

CONCLUSION

WPAI activity impairment was affected by both ESSPRI-Dryness with OHRQoL and ESSPRI-Fatigue with SFR in glandular involvement.

Oral health status, related behaviours and perceived stress in xerostomia, Sicca and Sjögren's syndromes patients - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Mouth dryness increases the risk of some oral health-related conditions. Furthermore, it is unclear if patients with dry mouth engage in appropriate oral health-related behaviours. The study examined oral health, related behaviours, and perceived stress in dry-mouth patients and compared them to matched controls without mouth dryness.

METHODS

Information about 182 dry-mouth patients and 302 age- and sex-matched subjects was retrieved. Three dry mouth groups: xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome, were formed based on patient self-reported and objectively assessed symptoms. The World Health Organization's Oral Health for Adults and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, oral health-related behaviours, and self-perceived stress. Clinical oral health assessments included: caries experience measured as total numbers of decayed (DS), missing (MS), filled surfaces (FS), number of remaining teeth, erosive tooth wear and extent of periodontal pocketing. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable tests.

RESULTS

The dry-mouth participants had higher mean (SD) DMFS scores than their matched controls: xerostomia patients vs. controls: 74.6 (34.4) and 66.3 (35.4), Sicca syndrome patients vs. controls: 88.3 (34.0) and 70.1 (33.9), and Sjögren's syndrome patients vs. controls: 95.7 (31.5) and 74 (33.2). In comparison to controls, individuals with Sicca and patients with Sjögren's syndromes had lower mean (SD) number of remaining teeth, 15.9 (10.1) vs. 21.7 (8.4) and 13.8 (10.0) vs. 20.1 (9.2), and a lower mean (SD) extent of periodontal pocketing, 20.7 (28.6) vs. 41.1 (31.0), and 21.2 (24.1) vs. 34.8 (34.2), respectively. Xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome patients had higher odds of using fluoridated toothpaste; OR 1.8 (95%CI 1.1-2.9), OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.7-18.3) and OR 6.9 (95%CI 2.2-21.3), respectively. Participants with Sjögren's syndrome had lower odds of the last dental visit being within the last year; OR 0.2 (95%CI 0.1-0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Dry-mouth patients had higher caries experience and fewer teeth than comparison groups but a lower extent of periodontal pocketing. Even though more participants with dry mouth used fluoridated toothpastes, their oral health-related behaviours were not optimal.

Prediction of Sjögren's disease diagnosis using matched electronic dental-health record data

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's disease (SD) is an autoimmune disease that is difficult to diagnose early due to its wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and overlap with other autoimmune diseases. SD potentially presents through early oral manifestations prior to showing symptoms of clinically significant dry eyes or dry mouth. We examined the feasibility of utilizing a linked electronic dental record (EDR) and electronic health record (EHR) dataset to identify factors that could be used to improve early diagnosis prediction of SD in a matched case-control study population.

METHODS

EHR data, including demographics, medical diagnoses, medication history, serological test history, and clinical notes, were retrieved from the Indiana Network for Patient Care database and dental procedure data were retrieved from the Indiana University School of Dentistry EDR. We examined EHR and EDR history in the three years prior to SD diagnosis for SD cases and the corresponding period in matched non-SD controls. Two conditional logistic regression (CLR) models were built using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression. One used only EHR data and the other used both EHR and EDR data. The ability of these models to predict SD diagnosis was assessed using a concordance index designed for CLR.

RESULTS

We identified a sample population of 129 cases and 371 controls with linked EDR-EHR data. EHR factors associated with an increased risk of SD diagnosis were the usage of lubricating throat drugs with an odds ratio (OR) of 14.97 (2.70-83.06), dry mouth (OR = 6.19, 2.14-17.89), pain in joints (OR = 2.54, 1.34-4.76), tear film insufficiency (OR = 27.04, 5.37-136.), and rheumatoid factor testing (OR = 6.97, 1.94-25.12). The addition of EDR data slightly improved model concordance compared to the EHR only model (0.834 versus 0.811). Surgical dental procedures (OR = 2.33, 1.14-4.78) were found to be associated with an increased risk of SD diagnosis while dental diagnostic procedures (OR = 0.45, 0.20-1.01) were associated with decreased risk.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing EDR data alongside EHR data has the potential to improve prediction models for SD. This could improve the early diagnosis of SD, which is beneficial to slowing or preventing complications of SD.

Longevity of dental restorations in Sjogren's disease patients using electronic dental and health record data

BACKGROUND

Decreased salivary secretion is not only a risk factor for carious lesions in Sjögren's disease (SD) but also an indicator of deterioration of teeth with every restorative replacement. This study determined the longevity of direct dental restorations placed in patients with SD using matched electronic dental record (EDR) and electronic health record (EHR) data.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using EDR and EHR data of Indiana University School of Dentistry patients who have a SD diagnosis in their EHR. Treatment history of patients during 15 years with SD (cases) and their matched controls with at least one direct dental restoration were retrieved from the EDR. Descriptive statistics summarized the study population characteristics. Cox regression models with random effects analyzed differences between cases and controls for time to direct restoration failure. Further the model explored the effect of covariates such as age, sex, race, dental insurance, medical insurance, medical diagnosis, medication use, preventive dental visits per year, and the number of tooth surfaces on time to restoration failure.

RESULTS

At least one completed direct restoration was present for 102 cases and 42 controls resulting in a cohort of 144 patients' EDR and EHR data. The cases were distributed as 21 positives, 57 negatives, and 24 uncertain cases based on clinical findings. The average age was 56, about 93% were females, 54% were White, 74% had no dental insurance, 61% had public medical insurance, < 1 preventive dental visit per year, 94% used medications and 93% had a medical diagnosis that potentially causes dry mouth within the overall study cohort. About 529 direct dental restorations were present in cases with SD and 140 restorations in corresponding controls. Hazard ratios of 2.99 (1.48-6.03; p = 0.002) and 3.30 (1.49-7.31, p-value: 0.003) showed significantly decreased time to restoration failure among cases and positive for SD cases compared to controls, respectively. Except for the number of tooth surfaces, no other covariates had a significant influence on the survival time.

CONCLUSION

Considering the rapid failure of dental restorations, appropriate post-treatment assessment, management, and evaluation should be implemented while planning restorative dental procedures among cases with SD. Since survival time is decreased with an increase in the number of surfaces, guidelines for restorative procedures should be formulated specifically for patients with SD.

Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach of a Patient With Sjogren's Syndrome: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocyte infiltration of the exocrine glands. Notably, the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients with Sjögren's syndrome is limited by the scarce availability of studies that could inform therapeutic modalities and potential challenges during clinical procedures. This case report aimed to present the oral rehabilitation of a patient with Sjögren's syndrome who received fixed partial dentures (FPDs). A 28-year-old female patient sought treatment to restore her missing teeth. She was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome by a rheumatologist adhering to the revised version of the European criteria proposed by the American-European Consensus Group and was on a medication regimen including prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, pantoprazole, pilocarpine, and tear substitutes to manage her condition. The final treatment plan consisted of extractions, management of gingivitis, post-and-core restorations, and a 2 mm vertical dimension increase with the placement of 15 porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and 4 short-span bridges. The patient underwent regular clinical and radiographic evaluations every 3 months since June 2020. Throughout this period, the fixed prostheses, teeth, and periodontal tissues demonstrated remarkable stability and exhibited no complications. This three-year case study provides evidence that meticulous planning and clinical execution can facilitate successful oral rehabilitation in young edentulous patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Tooth-supported fixed prostheses can effectively restore oral function and aesthetic appeal in these individuals, provided they undergo more frequent dental examinations than the general population and maintain a cooperative attitude throughout the treatment process.

Periodontitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: A nation-wide register study

The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of periodontitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and a non-Sjögren's patient group during a 7-year period from 2011 through 2017. In this population-based study, the patients were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) codes registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), which contains information on diagnosis and time of admission for all hospitalized patients in Norway. The pSS group comprised patients with ≥4 registrations with ICD-10 code M35.0 (Sjögren's syndrome) as the main diagnosis. The dependent variable was periodontitis, defined by procedure codes registered in the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursement (KUHR). Logistic regression analyses estimated the odds ratio for periodontitis in pSS patients relative to non-pSS patients, adjusted for relevant covariates. Lastly, regression analyses were performed separately for each of the 6 age categories. In total, 760 (7.5%) patients in the pSS group and 22,178 (7.1%) in the non-pSS group had periodontitis. When adjusting for covariates, the presence of pSS had no association with periodontitis (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.98-1.14).

Characterizing clinical findings of Sjögren's Disease patients in community practices using matched electronic dental-health record data

Established classifications exist to confirm Sjögren's Disease (SD) (previously referred as Sjögren's Syndrome) and recruit patients for research. However, no established classification exists for diagnosis in clinical settings causing delayed diagnosis. SD patients experience a huge dental disease burden impairing their quality of life. This study established criteria to characterize Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) patients' SD based on symptoms and signs in the electronic health record (EHR) data available through the state-wide Indiana health information exchange (IHIE). Association between SD diagnosis, and comorbidities including other autoimmune conditions, and documentation of SD diagnosis in electronic dental record (EDR) were also determined. The IUSD patients' EDR were linked with their EHR data in the IHIE and queried for SD diagnostic ICD9/10 codes. The resulting cohorts' EHR clinical findings were characterized and classified using diagnostic criteria based on clinical experts' recommendations. Descriptive statistics were performed, and Chi-square tests determined the association between the different SD presentations and comorbidities including other autoimmune conditions. Eighty-three percent of IUSD patients had an EHR of which 377 patients had a SD diagnosis. They were characterized as positive (24%), uncertain (20%) and negative (56%) based on EHR clinical findings. Dry eyes and mouth were reported for 51% and positive Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) for 17% of this study cohort. One comorbidity was present in 98% and other autoimmune condition/s were present in 53% respectively. Significant differences were observed between the three SD clinical characteristics/classifications and certain medical and autoimmune conditions (p<0.05). Sixty-nine percent of patients' EDR did not mention SD, highlighting the huge gap in reporting SD during dental care. This study of SD patients diagnosed in community practices characterized three different SD clinical presentations, which can be used to generate SD study cohorts for longitudinal studies using EHR data. The results emphasize the heterogenous SD clinical presentations and the need for further research to diagnose SD early in community practice settings where most people seek care.

The Croatian Primary Sjögren's Disease Oral Health Study: Oral Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

To determine salivary flow rate, oral and periodontal status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), objective and subjective indexes, and serum antibody reactivity in patients with primary Sjögren's disease (pSD). Thirty-one patients with pSD and 31 control subjects participated in this cross-sectional, single-center study. The unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSFR), salivary pH, DMFT index (DMFT = D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled tooth), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), interincisal distance, OHRQoL, objective European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and subjective (EULAR SS Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), 6-items-VAS-SS (Visual Analog Scale), Profile of Fatigue) indexes were analyzed. The patients with pSD had a blood sample taken in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m. for comprehensive laboratory analysis. Patients with pSD had statistically significant lower UWSFR (0.20 vs. 0.90 mL/min) and SWSFR (0.56 vs. 1.64 mL/min) values compared with control subjects (p < 0.001, Mann-Withney U test). Salivary pH value of pSD patients was significantly lower compared with control subjects (6.00 vs. 7.00; p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The mean DMFT index of patients with pSD compared to control subjects was not statistically significant (23.74 ± 7.28 vs. 20.77 ± 5.73; p = 0.08, t-test). Interincisal distance was significantly decreased in the pSD group compared with control subjects (43.80 ± 0.38 vs. 47.60 ± 0.50; p = 0.003, t-test). The prevalence of periodontitis was similar in patients with pSD and control subjects (83.9% vs. 77.4%; p = 0.35, λ² test). The mean Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) total score was statistically significantly higher in pSD patients compared with control subjects (32.00 vs. 8.00; p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Patients with pSD have decreased salivary flow and salivary pH, poor oral health, decreased interincisal distance, high prevalence of periodontitis, and worse OHRQoL. These findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with pSD that includes physical and psychological aspects of the disease.

Salivary Flow Rate and Oral Status in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Determination of salivary flow rate and oral status in patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and comparison with control subjects. Thirty-one pSS patients, 28 dcSSc patients, and 28 control subjects participated in this single-center, cross-sectional study. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSFR), salivary pH, DMFT index (D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled tooth), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), interincisal distance, and OHRQoL (oral health-related quality of life) were analyzed in all three groups of subjects. Primary SS and dcSSc patients had statistically significant lower values of UWSFR (0.20; 0.38 vs. 0.91 mL/min) and SWSFR (0.56; 0.70 vs. 1.64 mL/min) compared with control subjects (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Salivary pH values were statistically significantly lower in pSS and dcSSc patients compared with control subjects (6.00; 6.25 vs. 7.00, respectively) (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). The DMFT index of dcSSc patients was higher (28.50) and statistically significant compared to control subjects (20.00) (p = 0.01). The prevalence of periodontitis was the same in pSS and dcSSc patients and control subjects (p = 0.384). Primary SS and dcSSc patients had a statistically significant decreased interincisal distance compared to control subjects (43.80; 38.00 vs. 48.00) (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Primary SS and dcSSc patients show decreased UWSFR and SWSFR, salivary pH values closer to an acidic medium, higher DMFT index, higher prevalence of periodontitis, decreased interincisal distance, and poorer OHRQoL, i.e., poor oral and periodontal health.

Analysis of dental amalgam fillings on primary Sjögren's syndrome: A population-based case-control study in Taiwan

Primary Sjören's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammatory infiltrate and progressive dysfunction of salivary glands. Dental amalgam with mercury has been raised the public concerns regarding its purported mercury toxicity from dental amalgam to possible systemic inflammatory and immune reactions.In this study, a nationwide population-based database was employed to investigate the association of amalgam filling (AMF) and the risk of pSS. A retrospective case-control study was sourced from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2013. Case and control groups were matched by sex, age, urbanization level, monthly income, and comorbidities using the propensity score method with a 1:1 ratio. In this study, 5848 cases and 5848 controls were included.The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between AMF and pSS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.904-1.049). In addition, pSS was also not associated with AMF for women (OR: 0.743, 95% CI = 0.552-1.000) and men (OR: 1.006, 95% CI = 0.670-1.509), respectively.Taken together, evidence demonstrated that the association of AMF and pSS was inconsistent from this robust register databank.

The survival time of restorations is shortened in patients with dry mouth

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective data collection study was to determine the effect size of dry mouth on the survival of restorations and teeth.

METHODS

The data were collected from the electronic patient files of City of Oulu Public Dental Services (Finland). Study population consisted of 71 dry mouth patients and 142 control patients. The survival of 3208 restorations were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty for patients. Separate analyses were performed for the survival of the teeth.

RESULTS

The hazard ratio of restorations in dry mouth patients was 2.08 (95% CI: 1.65-2.63) compared to the control patients. For the dry mouth patients, the fixed prosthetic crowns outlasted composite fillings of all sizes, but the difference increased concomitantly with the filling size. The dry mouth patients had hazard ratio of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.02-3.82) for tooth extractions compared to the control patients. The teeth with fixed prosthetic crowns outlasted the teeth with direct restorative materials.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival time of restorations and teeth are severely shortened in patients with dry mouth. Especially the survival time of the large composites is short in dry mouth patients whereas fixed prosthetic crowns have acceptable survival time also in dry mouth patients.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

When informing a dry mouth patient on the expected survival of a restoration or tooth, one should take into account that dry mouth patients´ restorations and teeth have severely shortened survival time.

The impact of medical cannabis consumption on the oral flora and saliva

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of medical cannabis consumption on oral flora and saliva.

DESIGN

A clinical prospective study, at the rheumatology clinic of the Nazareth Hospital in Nazareth, recruiting consecutively patients approved for medical cannabis, evaluating their saliva flow, pH and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, prior to and under medical cannabis treatment.

METHODS

Patients recently licensed for medical cannabis treatment, were recruited just prior to starting medical cannabis consumption (week 0), 1 and 4 weeks later, patients provided 5-minute time saliva samples, which were measured for their volume and pH, and cultured on a special microbial kit, evaluating the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus.

RESULTS

Out of 16 patients enrolled, 14 were female and had fibromyalgia. The mean age of the patients was 52.8±12.9 years. The mean saliva flow at week 0, week 1 and week 4 were 5.38±3.36 ml/5-minutes, 6 (p = 0.769) and 5.45 (p = 0.391), respectively, and for saliva pH were 6.28, 5.94 (p = 0.51) and 5.5 (p = 0.07) respectively also. The mean Streptococcus mutans growth score at weeks 0, 1 and 4 was1.8±0.75, 1.6±0.83 (p = 0.234), and 2.4±0.84 (p = 0.058), respectively. The mean Lactobacilli growth score at weeks 0, 1 and 4 was 2.59±0.88, 3.1±0.69 (p = 0.033) and 3.3±0.67 (p = 0.025), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that medical cannabis consumption has no significant effect on saliva volume or pH, but it may be associated with changes in salivary levels of oral microbes such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

Patients with comorbid rheumatoid arthritis are predisposed to peritonsillar abscess: real-world evidence

PURPOSE

The peritonsillar abscess (PTA)-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) association remains unclear. Here, the effects of RA on PTA incidence and prognosis are elucidated.

METHODS

We compared PTA incidence and prognosis of 30,706 RFCIP-registered patients with RA (RA cohort) with matched individuals without RA from another database of 1 million randomly selected people representing Taiwan's population (non-RA cohort).

RESULTS

The RA cohort had significantly higher PTA incidence [incidence rate ratio (IRR) (95% CI) 1.73 (1.10-2.71), P = 0.017) and cumulative incidence (P = 0.016, Kaplan-Meier curves). Cox regression analyses demonstrated RA cohort to have an estimated 1.72-fold increased PTA risk (95% CI 1.09-2.69, P = 0.019). PTA was more likely within the first 5 years of RA diagnosis (for < 1, 1-5, and ≥ 5 postdiagnosis years, IRRs: 2.67, 2.31, and 1.10, respectively, and P = 0.063, 0.021, and 0.794, respectively; average onset duration: 4.3 ± 3.3 years after RA diagnosis). PTA increased length of hospital stay significantly and risk of complication with deep neck infection nonsignificantly [6.5 ± 4.5 vs 4.6 ± 2.8 days (P = 0.045) and 18.52% vs 7.81% (P = 0.155), respectively]. Moreover, RA-cohort patients not receiving RA therapy exhibited 5.06-fold higher PTA risk than those receiving RA-related therapy (95% CI 1.75-14.62, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with RA, PTA incidence is the highest within 5 years of RA diagnosis, and RA therapy is essential for reducing PTA risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Salivary Glands and Periodontal Changes in a Population of Sjögren's and Sicca Syndrome Treated by Pilocarpine: A Pilot Study

Introduction

Oral administration of pilocarpine enhances salivary flow in sicca patients but its effect upstream on ultrasound (US) of salivary glands (SG) and downstream on periodontium remain unknown.

Methods

Sicca patients were prospectively included. Echostructural and vascularization of SG were assessed using B mode and pulsed Doppler (USPD). Vascularization of SG was measured using resistive index (RI) before and after stimulation by lemon juice. Echostructure (measure of glandular length in cm², evaluation of parotid and submandibular glands parenchymal abnormalities) was assessed at baseline (M0) and after 3 months (M3) of treatment with pilocarpine. A dental consultation was performed at M0 and M3 to evaluate changes in unstimulated salivary flow (USSF), stimulated salivary flow (SSF), and periodontal parameters such as modified gingival index (Lobene), plaque index (Silness), bleeding index, pocket depth, and pH.

Results

Nineteen patients were included but only 11 received pilocarpine treatment for 3 months, as six stopped pilocarpine due to side effects and two were excluded for other causes. Among the 11 patients who completed the 3-month follow-up, five had primary Sjögren’s syndrome according to the American-European’s classification criteria. As expected, statistical differences were found concerning SSF (p = 0.018) and USSF (p = 0.027) between M0 and M3 while no statistical change in both SG echostructure and vascularization or periodontal evaluation was shown.

Conclusions

Pilocarpine improved SSF and USSF measurements in sicca syndrome but no ultrasonography of major salivary glands (SGUS) structural and vascular changes were detected as well as periodontal evaluation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-020-00263-y.

Minor salivary gland mesenchymal stromal cells derived from patients with Sjӧgren's syndrome deploy intact immune plasticity

BACKGROUND AIMS

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) provide minor salivary glands (MSGs) with support and niche cells for epithelial glandular tissue. Little is known about resident MSG-derived MSCs (MSG-MSCs) in primary Sjӧgren's syndrome (PSS). The authors' objective is to define the immunobiology of endogenous PSS MSG-MSCs.

METHODS

Using culture-adapted MSG-MSCs isolated from consenting PSS subjects (n = 13), the authors performed in vitro interrogation of PSS MSG-MSC immunobiology and global gene expression compared with controls. To this end, the authors performed phenotypic and immune functional analysis of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and intercellular adhesion marker 1 (ICAM-1) before and after interferon γ (IFNγ) licensing as well as the effect of MSG-MSCs on T-cell proliferation. Considering the female predominance of PSS, the authors also addressed the influence of 17-β-estradiol on estrogen receptor α-positive-related MSC function.

RESULTS

The authors found that MSG-MSCs deployed normal immune regulatory functionality after IFNγ stimulation, as demonstrated by increased protein-level expression of IDO, PD-L1 and ICAM-1. The authors also found that MSG-MSCs suppressed T-cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner independent of 17-β-estradiol exposure. Gene ontology and pathway analysis highlighted extracellular matrix deposition as a possible difference between PSS and control MSG-MSCs. MSG-MSCs demonstrated increased α-smooth muscle actin expression in PSS, indicating a partial myofibroblast-like adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings establish similar immune regulatory function of MSG-MSCs in both PSS and control patients, precluding intrinsic MSC immune regulatory defects in PSS. PSS MSG-MSCs show a partial imprinted myofibroblast-like phenotype that may arise in the setting of chronic inflammation, providing a plausible etiology for PSS-related glandular fibrosis.

Increased risk of developing dental diseases in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome-A secondary cohort analysis of population-based claims data

Background

Although it is known that patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) have impaired dental conditions, incidence rates and incidence rate ratios of various dental diseases in these patients are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and prevalence of dental diseases in patients with pSS, and to evaluate the risk of common dental diseases in these patients.

Methods

A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 709 patients with newly diagnosed pSS between 2000 and 2012 were identified to form the pSS cohort. A comparison cohort of patients without pSS was assembled based on frequency matching for sex, 5-year age interval, and index year at a ratio of 10:1. All participants were followed until the end of the follow-up period or when the outcome of interest occurred. The incidence of dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis were calculated using multiple Poisson regression models.

Results

A significantly higher prevalence (74.6% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.001) and frequency (median 5.37 vs. 1.45 per year, P < 0.001) dental visits were observed in patients with pSS compared with patients in the comparison cohort. The risk of dental caries (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.64, P < 0.001), pulpitis (aIRR 1.42, P < 0.001), gingivitis (aIRR 1.43, P < 0.001), periodontitis (aIRR 1.44, P < 0.001), oral ulceration (aIRR 1.98, P < 0.001), and stomatitis (aIRR 2.06, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with pSS.

Conclusions

In this nationwide, population-based cohort study, a higher prevalence and frequency of dental visits were found in patients with pSS. Patients with PSS had increased risk of six most common dental disorders, including dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis. Rheumatologists should remain vigilant for the dental health of patients with pSS.

Suppression of high-mobility group box 1 ameliorates xerostomia in a Sjögren syndrome-triggered mouse model

Xerostomia is a self-conscious symptom. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) promotes pro-inflammatory effects in many diseases. This study aimed to clarify the role of HMGB1 in Sjögren syndrome (SS)-triggered xerostomia. Nonobese diabetic (NOD)/Ltj mice were used to establish an SS-triggered xerostomia model. The results showed that saliva production was decreased and anti-Sjögren syndrome B (anti-SSB) level was increased in SS. PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry experiments indicated that the HMGB1 and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) levels were enhanced and diminished in SS compared with those in the control, respectively. While the mice were treated with anti-HMGB1, xerostomia was reversed due to the elevated saliva production and reduced anti-SSB level. In addition, it was found that the inhibition of HMGB1 restrained the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) axis activation. The TLR4 and p-IκB levels were alleviated, while the IκBα and NF-κB p65 levels were augmented. The NF-κB p65 binding activity was attenuated via the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) after anti-HMGB1 treatment. Moreover, the repression of HMGB1 facilitated the expression of AQP5. These findings demonstrate that suppression of HMGB1 ameliorates SS-triggered xerostomia via suppressing the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulating AQP5 expression.

Sicca Symptoms, Oral Health Conditions, Salivary Flow and Oral Candida in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among sicca symptoms, oral health conditions, salivary profiles and oral Candida in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients. Eighty-five SS patients (mean age = 50.5) and 40 healthy non-SS individuals (mean age = 51.4) were recruited. They self-completed the Sicca Symptoms Inventory (SSI). Decayed, missing and filled surface (DMFS) scores, salivary flow rates, pH and oral Candida colonization were determined. Mean SSI summary scores of SS patients and non-SS individuals were 11.1 and 5.4 respectively (p < 0.001). The most prevalent sicca symptoms in SS patients were eye irritation (93%), dry throat or nose (88%) and need of fluid for mouth wetting (88%). SS patients had significantly lower whole salivary flow rates than the non-SS individuals. Candida strains were isolated from over 60% of SS patients but not in non-SS patients. C. albicans was the predominant species. SSI summary score was negatively correlated to salivary flow rates while SSI summary and domain scores were positively correlated to the number of filled surfaces (FS) and DMFS scores and oral Candida counts. In conclusion, SS patients had more severe sicca symptoms than non-SS individuals. SSI scores were negatively correlated to the salivary flow rates but positively correlated to caries experience and oral Candida colonization.

Deep Neck Infection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Real-World Evidence

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might increase deep neck infection (DNI) risk, but evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited. In this retrospective follow-up study, the SLE-DNI association was investigated using data from the Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients, which is a subset of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. All patients newly diagnosed as having SLE in 1997-2011 were identified, and every SLE patient was individually matched to four patients without SLE according to sex, age, and socioeconomic status. The study outcome was DNI occurrence. DNI treatment modalities and prognoses in SLE and non-SLE patients, along with the association of steroid dose with DNI risk, were also studied. In total, 17,426 SLE and 69,704 non-SLE patients were enrolled. Cumulative DNI incidence was significantly higher in the SLE cohort than in the non-SLE cohort (p < 0.001). The Cox regression model demonstrated that SLE significantly increased DNI risk (hazard ratio: 4.70; 95% confidence interval: 3.50-6.32, p < 0.001). Moreover, in the sensitivity and subgroup analyses, the effect of SLE on DNI was stable. Relatively few SLE-DNI patients received surgical interventions (15.6% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.033). The between-group differences in tracheostomy use and hospitalisation duration were nonsignificant. In SLE patients, high steroid doses significantly increased DNI incidence (≥3 vs. <3 mg/day = 2.21% vs. 0.52%, p < 0.001). This is the first study demonstrating that SLE increases DNI risk by approximately five times and that high steroid dose increases DNI incidence in SLE patients.

The effect of pilocarpine on dental caries in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a database prospective cohort study

Background

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is associated with dental caries. Pilocarpine, a salivary stimulant, can improve the amount and flow rate of saliva in patients with pSS. This study aimed to assess whether the risk of dental caries decreases with the use of pilocarpine in patients with pSS.

Methods

For this prospective cohort study, we identified pSS patients from the catastrophic illnesses registry of the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan between 2009 and 2013. We divided participants into pilocarpine and non-user groups based on the pilocarpine prescriptions available during the first 3-month follow-up. The primary endpoint was dental caries. The secondary endpoints were periodontitis and oral candidiasis. We compared the risk of these oral manifestations using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 4973 patients with new-onset pSS were eligible for analysis. After propensity score matching, we included 1014 patients in the pilocarpine group and 2028 patients in the non-user group. During the mean follow-up of 2.6 years, the number of events was 487 in the pilocarpine group (48.0%) and 1047 in the non-user group (51.6%); however, the difference was not significant (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 1.06). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between groups regarding risk of periodontitis (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.03) and oral candidiasis (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.94).

Conclusion

Pilocarpine may have no protective effect on dental caries, periodontitis, or oral candidiasis in patients with pSS.

Real-world evidence for increased deep neck infection risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and deep neck infection (DNI).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with RA between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Moreover, patients without RA were randomly selected and matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, urbanization level, income, and diabetes mellitus. The patients were followed up until death or the end of the study period (December 31, 2013). The primary outcome was the occurrence of DNI.

RESULTS

In total, 30,207 patients with RA and 120,828 matched patients without RA were enrolled. Patients with RA had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of DNI than those without RA (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that RA was significantly associated with a higher incidence of DNI (hazard ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval: 2.26-3.46, P < 0.001). Therapeutic methods (surgical or nonsurgical) did not differ significantly between the patients with RA-DNI and with non-RA-DNI. Patients with RA-DNI had higher rates of tracheostomy, mediastinitis, mediastinitis-related mortality, and mortality than patients with non-RA-DNI, although these differences were without statistical significance. RA patients receiving no therapy experienced higher rates of DNI compared with those receiving methotrexate alone, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologic therapies.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to investigate the association between RA and DNI. We conclude RA is an independent predisposing factor for DNI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1402-1407, 2020.

Next-generation sequencing of whole saliva from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and non-Sjögren's sicca reveals comparable salivary microbiota

Objective: To characterize and compare the salivary microbiota in patients with pSS and patients with non-Sjögren’s-related sicca, and to relate the findings to their oral health status and saliva flow rates.

Methods: Twenty-four patients fulfilled the 2016 classification criteria for pSS and 34 did not (non-pSS). A clinical examination included registration of decayed, missing and filled teeth/-surfaces and collection of whole saliva. The microbiota was characterized using next-generation sequencing of the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Data were annotated against the eHOMD database.

Results: A total of 509 different bacterial taxa were identified. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to the abundance of predominant genera, bacterial diversity and relative abundance on the genus or species level. The two groups did not differ with regard to general health, including intake of xerogenic medication and polypharmacy, oral health status or unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva flow rates.

Conclusion: The salivary microbiota and oral health status, as well as salivary flow rate in patients with pSS resemble that of non-pSS patients. Our findings indicate that changes in the salivary microbiota do not appear to be determined by the disease entity pSS itself.

Dysbiosis of the buccal mucosa microbiome in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients

Objectives

Environmental factors in the aetiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are largely unknown. Host-microbiome interaction at mucosal surfaces is presumed to be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of pSS. Here, we assessed whether the microbiome of the buccal mucosa is specific for pSS compared with symptom-controls.

Methods

The bacterial composition of buccal swab samples from 37 pSS patients, 86 non-SS sicca patients (with similar dryness symptoms to pSS patients, but not fulfilling the classification criteria) and 24 healthy controls (HCs) was determined with 16S rRNA sequencing. Multivariate Association with Linear Models was used to find associations between individual taxa and pSS, taking into account smoking and dental status. Associations were replicated in a general population cohort (n = 103).

Results

The buccal mucosa microbiome of pSS and non-SS sicca patients both differed from HCs. A higher Firmicutes/Proteobacteria ratio was characteristic for both pSS and non-SS sicca patients. Disease status (pSS, non-SS sicca, HCs) and salivary secretion rate contributed almost equally to the variation in bacterial composition between individuals (3.8 and 4.3%, respectively). Two taxa were associated with pSS compared with non-SS sicca patients and 19 compared with HCs. When salivary secretion rate was taken into account, no taxon was associated with pSS compared with non-SS sicca. Twelve of the 19 pSS-associated taxa were correlated with salivary secretion.

Conclusion

Dysbiosis of the buccal mucosa microbiome in pSS patients resembles that of symptom-controls. The buccal mucosa microbiome in pSS patients is determined by a combination of reduced salivary secretion and disease-specific factors.

How to treat Sjögren's syndrome

SS is a chronic, autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology for which there is no known curative treatment. Although dryness of the eyes and mouth are the classically described features, patients often experience drying of other mucosal surfaces and systemic manifestations, including fatigue and arthralgia. There is an association with other autoimmune diseases, especially thyroid disease, coeliac disease and primary biliary cholangitis. Systemic features may affect up to 70% and include inflammatory arthritis, skin involvement, haematological abnormalities, neuropathies, interstitial lung disease and a 5-10% lifetime risk of B cell lymphoma. Treatment should aim to empower patients to manage their condition; conserve, replace and stimulate secretions; prevent damage; and suppress underlying systemic disease activity.

Increased risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: nationwide population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore whether patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) were susceptible to bisphosphonate (BP)-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) after tooth extraction in the entire population of Taiwan.

DESIGN

A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Data were extracted from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

METHODOLOGY

Medical conditions for both the study and control group were categorised using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision. ORs and 95% CIs for associations between SS and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) were estimated using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 13 398 patients diagnosed with SS were identified from the NHIRD. An additional 53 592 matched patients formed the control group. At the 3-year follow-up, patients with SS started to exhibit a significantly increased cumulative risk of developing BRONJ compared with that of patients without SS (log rank test <0.001). At the end of the follow-up period, patients with SS exhibited a significantly increased incidence of ONJ compared with that of the controls (0.08%vs0.03%, p=0.017). The Cox regression model showed that patients with SS also exhibited a significantly increased risk of developing BRONJ compared with that of the patients without SS (adjusted HR=7.869, 95% CI 3.235 to 19.141, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SS exhibit an increased risk of developing BRONJ after tooth extraction. BPs should be used with caution in patients with SS.

Oral Disorders in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a complex, chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease that mainly affects the exocrine glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to the dryness of the mouth and eyes, along with fatigue, joint and muscle pain. The prevalence of SS is estimated to be between 0.05% and 1% in European population. Diagnosis of SS is based on the revised criteria of the American-European consensus group (AECG). Sjogren’s syndrome can be subclassified into primary disease (primary Sjogren syndrome, pSS) and a secondary disease (secondary Sjogren syndrome, sSS) when present with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis. The decrease in salivary flow and qualitative alterations in saliva could explain many of the oral manifestations frequently present in patients with SS. Low salivary flow may affect chewing, swallowing, speech and sleeping in pSS patients. Oral manifestations include dental erosion, dental caries, mucosal infection, ulcers and oral candidiasis. Recent studies reveal that pSS patients experience impaired olfactory and gustatory functions and have higher occurrence of oral complications such as dysgeusia, burning sensation in the tongue (BST) and halitosis. The exocrine manifestations and systemic involvement in SS significantly impact the patient’s perception of oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL).

Molecular analysis of oral microflora in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome by using high-throughput sequencing

Background

The objective of this study was to characterize the oral microflora profile of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients, thereby revealing the connection between oral bacterial composition and dental caries, and to identify the "core microbiome" in the oral cavities of pSS patients and systemic healthy individuals by using a high-throughput sequencing technique.

Methods

Twenty-two pSS patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their clinical data and oral rinse samples were collected. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene of samples were amplified and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina Miseq PE300 platform.

Results

Both two groups were age- and sex-matched. There were significantly higher decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) in the pSS group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Alpha diversity was depleted in pSS patients, compared with healthy controls (p < 0.01), while beta diversity between the two groups was not significantly different. Seven discriminative genera (LDA > 4) were found between the two groups in LEfSe (LDA Effect Size) analysis. The relative abundance of Veillonella in pSS patients was fourfold higher, while Actinomyces, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Rothia, Porphyromonas and Peptostreptococcus were significantly lower in pSS patients than in healthy controls. However, the correlation between Veillonella and DMFT/DMFS was not significant (p > 0.05). In Venn diagram analysis, nine genera shared by all samples of two groups, which comprised 71.88% and 67.64% in pSS patients and controls, respectively.

Discussion

These findings indicate a microbial dysbiosis in pSS patients; notably, Veillonella might be recognized as a biomarker in pSS patients. The core microbiome in pSS patients was similar to the systemic healthy population. These provide insight regarding advanced microbial prevention and treatment of severe dental caries in pSS patients. This study also provides basic data regarding microbiology in pSS.

Implant-supported Prostheses in Patient with Sjögren's Syndrome: Clinical Report with 3-year Follow-up

Sjögren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disorder, affects the exocrine glands, including the lacrimal and salivary glands. It is characterized by symptoms of dry eye and dry mouth. As secretion of saliva decreases, patients with SS experience rampant caries, pain in the oral mucosa, inflammation and hardening of the salivary glands, abnormal taste, dysphagia, and loss of teeth earlier than healthy individuals. A removable partial denture is often used as a prosthesis after tooth loss. Compromised salivary lubrication, however, can produce traumatic ulceration of the mucosa, making use of a removable prosthesis in SS patients painful. In such cases, a dental implant is likely to be requested as an alternative. This report describes dental implant treatment in an SS patient, a 50-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of masticatory dysfunction and pain due to a removable partial denture. Eight implants were placed in the maxillary and mandibular first molar tooth and second molar tooth regions. Following a 4-month non-loading period, second-stage surgery and provisional restoration with a screwretained implant temporary crown were performed. Screw-retained superstructures were fitted by means of a customized titanium abutment and zirconia crown as the final restoration. No complications, including inflammation of peri-implant soft tissue or resorption of peri-implant bone, were observed at 3 years following placement of the superstructures.

Tooth loss in Sjögren's syndrome patients compared to age and gender matched controls

BACKGROUND

To analyze the prevalence and location of tooth loss in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients and compare them with an age- and gender-matched control group.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dental charts and x-rays of 108 (SS) patients were retrieved from an academic dental center and special care dentistry department. For each SS patient, an age- and gender-matched non-SS patient was randomly selected. Medication, number of extractions and date and location of extractions were assessed. Differences between SS and non-SS patients were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Significantly more SS patients were edentulous compared to the non-SS group (14.8% versus 1.9%, p = 0.001). SS patients had a 61% higher risk to have experienced one or more extractions than control patients. In the SS group, there was a non-significant tendency for more maxillary teeth to have been extracted than mandibular teeth (42:34). In the control group, the number of extractions in the maxilla and mandible were comparable (21:20). When divided into sextants, the number of SS patients with one or more extractions was significantly higher than for non-SS patients for each sextant (p = 0.001 to p = 0.032). The largest difference in the proportion of patients with one or more extractions between the SS and non-SS patients occurred in the upper anterior sextant (3.4 times more frequent).

CONCLUSIONS

SS patients are more prone to experience dental extractions compared to patients without SS. It could be speculated that this is related to a decreased salivary secretion.

Oral disorders, saliva secretion, and oral health-related quality of life in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Chemosensory function, burning sensations in the tongue (BST), halitosis, saliva secretion, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were investigated in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). In 31 patients with pSS and 33 controls, olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated. Self-reported complaints of dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis were recorded. Saliva secretion rates were measured and OHRQoL was assessed using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Patients had significantly lower olfactory (8.8 ± 3.5 vs. 10.7 ± 1.2) and gustatory (18.9 ± 7.1 vs. 25.4 ± 4.3) scores than controls, and significantly more patients complained of dysgeusia (58.1% vs. 0%), BST (54.8% vs. 6.1%), and halitosis (41.9% vs. 0%). A significantly greater proportion of patients with pSS had ageusia (19% vs. 0%), hypogeusia (32% vs. 12%), anosmia (13% vs. 0%), or hyposmia (29% vs. 9%). Significantly lower saliva secretion rates (ml min^-1 ) were observed in patients with pSS for stimulated (0.62 ± 0.40 vs. 1.57 ± 0.71) and unstimulated (0.08 ± 0.07 vs. 0.29 ± 0.17) saliva. The mean OHIP-14 score was significantly higher in patients with pSS (16.2 ± 10.8 vs. 2.7 ± 3.1) and was positively correlated with dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis. In conclusion, patients with pSS reported higher occurrence of dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis, and demonstrated relatively impaired chemosensory and salivary functions. The patients' poorer OHRQoL was associated with dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis.

Is it Sjögren's syndrome or burning mouth syndrome? Distinct pathoses with similar oral symptoms

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) typically occur in postmenopausal women. Although these conditions have significantly different etiopathogeneses, patients with SS or BMS often present with analogous oral complaints. The similarities between the two conditions have led to considerable confusion on the part of medical and dental practitioners, and those with BMS or SS often wait years to receive a diagnosis. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to understand the characteristic subjective and objective features of each disease and how these can be used to distinguish them. This review will discuss the proposed etiology, clinical manifestations, histopathology, diagnostic criteria, and patient management of SS and BMS. We also identify key differences between the two pathoses that aid in establishing the correct diagnosis. Recognition of the defining features of each condition will lead to reduced time to diagnosis and improved patient management for these poorly understood conditions.

Orofacial manifestations in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

The main orofacial manifestation of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases is that of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, there is a constellation of orofacial manifestations of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, many of which are extra-articular with some constituting presenting signs of the underlying rheumatic disease. This review will discuss the orofacial manifestations in a variety of connective tissue diseases and will also allude to the oral adverse drug reactions that may occur as a consequence of therapy.

Epidemiology of Sjögren's Syndrome-from an Oral Perspective

Oral symptoms are among the most distressing manifestations for patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The feeling of dry mouth is unpleasant, and hyposalivation may contribute to difficulty in speaking, chewing and swallowing and reduced quality of life. Reduced salivary flow increases the risk for dental caries and problems with prosthetic replacement. It seems that SS is not as frequently occurring as previously anticipated. Population-based prevalence studies on primary SS in Europe, conducted on large background populations and in accordance with the AECG criteria, reported of a prevalence of 1-9 cases per 10,000 people. This gives a combined prevalence of nearly 39/100,000 (~0.04 %). The cause of Sjögren's syndrome is even now not fully understood, and the treatment of oral symptoms is still mostly palliative. Hopefully, useful information will appear from the new methods that are now available for genome wide association studies, epigenetics, DNA methylation studies, and proteomics. Similarly, this is anticipated for the immunological side of the story. The interferon signature, the interferon γ/interferon α mRNA ratio, and CXCL13 are among the proposed biomarkers of active disease. In this review, we provide an update on oral aspects of Sjögren's syndrome with emphasis on the latest publications on these topics.

New Treatment Guidelines for Sjögren's Disease

Sjögren's disease is associated with a high burden of illness, diminished quality of life, and increased health care costs. The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation developed the first US clinical practice guidelines for management of the oral, ocular, and rheumatologic or systemic manifestations. Guideline recommendations were reviewed by a consensus expert panel using a modified Delphi process. This initiative should improve the quality and consistency of care for Sjögren's disease in the United States, guide insurance reimbursement, and define areas for future study. Guidelines will be periodically reviewed and revised as new information becomes available.

Clinical practice guidelines for oral management of Sjögren disease: Dental caries prevention

BACKGROUND

Salivary dysfunction in Sjögren disease can lead to serious and costly oral health complications. Clinical practice guidelines for caries prevention in Sjögren disease were developed to improve quality and consistency of care.

METHODS

A national panel of experts devised clinical questions in a Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes format and included use of fluoride, salivary stimulants, antimicrobial agents, and nonfluoride remineralizing agents. The panel conducted a systematic search of the literature according to pre-established parameters. At least 2 members extracted the data, and the panel rated the strength of the recommendations by using a variation of grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation. After a Delphi consensus panel was conducted, the experts finalized the recommendations, with a minimum of 75% agreement required.

RESULTS

Final recommendations for patients with Sjögren disease with dry mouth were as follows: topical fluoride should be used in all patients (strong); although no study results link improved salivary flow to caries prevention, the oral health community generally accepts that increasing saliva may contribute to decreased caries incidence, so increasing saliva through gustatory, masticatory, or pharmaceutical stimulation may be considered (weak); chlorhexidine administered as varnish, gel, or rinse may be considered (weak); and nonfluoride remineralizing agents may be considered as an adjunct therapy (moderate).

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The incidence of caries in patients with Sjögren disease can be reduced with the use of topical fluoride and other preventive strategies.

Salivary characteristics and dental caries: evidence from general dental practices

BACKGROUND

Saliva is one of the intraoral host factors that influence caries development. The authors conducted a study to investigate whether salivary characteristics are associated with recent dental caries experience.

METHODS

Dentist-investigators and dental staff members collected data pertaining to a two-year cumulative incidence of dental caries (previous 24 months) and salivary characteristics during baseline assessment in an ongoing longitudinal study. The systematic random sample consisted of patients (n = 1,763) visiting general dental practices (n = 63) within the Northwest Practice-based REsearch Collaborative in Evidence-based DENTistry (PRECEDENT). The authors estimated adjusted rate ratios (RRs) by using generalized estimating equations log-linear regression to relate salivary characteristics to coronal carious lesions into dentin.

RESULTS

Low resting pH (≤ 6.0) in the overall sample and low stimulated salivary flow rate (≤ 0.6 milliliter/minute) in older adults (≥ 65 years old) were associated with increased dental caries (RR, 1.6; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.2; RR, 2.4; 95 percent CI, 1.5-3.8, respectively). Low buffering capacity was associated with decreased dental caries in children and adolescents (RR, 0.3; 95 percent CI, 0.1-1.0; RR, 0.2; 95 percent CI, 0.1-0.7, respectively). A thick, sticky or frothy salivary consistency also was associated with decreased dental caries in adults (RR, 0.6; 95 percent CI, 0.4-1.0). Associations between other salivary characteristics and dental caries for the overall sample and within each age group were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary characteristics were associated weakly with previous dental caries experience, but the authors did not find consistent trends among the three age groups. Different salivary characteristics were associated with an increased caries experience in older adults and a lowered caries experience in children and adolescents and adults. Practical Implications. Further investigations are needed in this population setting to understand the study's conflicting results. The study findings cannot support the use of salivary tests to determine caries risk in actual clinical settings.

Cost-effectiveness landscape analysis of treatments addressing xerostomia in patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy

Head and neck (H&N) radiation therapy (RT) can induce irreversible damage to the salivary glands thereby causing long-term xerostomia or dry mouth in 68%-85% of the patients. Not only does xerostomia significantly impair patients' quality-of-life (QOL) but it also has important medical sequelae, incurring high medical and dental costs. In this article, we review various measures to assess xerostomia and evaluate current and emerging solutions to address this condition in H&N cancer patients. These solutions typically seek to accomplish 1 of the 4 objectives: (1) to protect the salivary glands during RT, (2) to stimulate the remaining gland function, (3) to treat the symptoms of xerostomia, or (4) to regenerate the salivary glands. For each treatment, we assess its mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, clinical utilization, and cost. We conclude that intensity-modulated radiation therapy is both the most widely used prevention approach and the most cost-effective existing solution and we highlight novel and promising techniques on the cost-effectiveness landscape.

Biological therapies in primary Sjögren's syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) is a relatively common immune-mediated condition characterized by oral and ocular dryness, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and poor health-related quality of life. Other extra-glandular organs can also be affected and PSS is associated with a markedly increased risk of lymphoma. Furthermore, the health-economic cost for PSS is substantial. There is currently no effective treatment available. With better understanding of the pathophysiology of PSS and advances in technologies, it is now possible to develop biological therapies to target specific molecules or molecular pathways that are important in PSS pathogenesis. Indeed, a limited number of biological therapies have already been tested in PSS with mixed successes.

AREAS COVERED

Published data on the use of biological therapies in PSS, the possible roles for other biological therapies and the potential challenges for their use.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of biological agents targeting key cellular and molecular pathways in PSS pathogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of biological therapies in PSS should be encouraged but patient selection and outcome measures used in these studies must be carefully considered to ensure that the true effects of biological therapies on the outcomes of PSS are being appropriately evaluated.

Periodontitis in systemic rheumatic diseases

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by loss of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, and is a major cause of tooth loss. Results from clinical and epidemiologic studies have suggested that periodontitis and tooth loss are more prevalent in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the strength and temporality of the association are uncertain. Several biologically plausible causal and noncausal mechanisms might account for this association between periodontitis and RA. There is evidence to suggest that periodontitis could indeed be a causal factor in the initiation and maintenance of the autoimmune inflammatory response that occurs in RA. If proven, chronic periodontitis might represent an important modifiable risk factor for RA. In addition, patients with RA might show an increased risk of developing periodontitis and tooth loss through various mechanisms. Moreover, exposure to common genetic, environmental or behavioral factors might contribute to a noncausal association between both conditions.