World Workshop on Oral Medicine VIII: Development of a Core Outcome Set for Dry Mouth: A Systematic Review of Outcome Domains for Xerostomia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify all outcome domains used in clinical studies of xerostomia, that is, subjective sensation of dry mouth. This study is part of the extended project "World Workshop on Oral Medicine Outcomes Initiative for the Direction of Research" to develop a core outcome set for dry mouth.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. All clinical and observational studies that assessed xerostomia in human participants from 2001 to 2021 were included. Information on outcome domains was extracted and mapped to the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy. Corresponding outcome measures were summarized.

RESULTS

From a total of 34,922 records retrieved, 688 articles involving 122,151 persons with xerostomia were included. There were 16 unique outcome domains and 166 outcome measures extracted. None of these domains or measures were consistently used across all the studies. The severity of xerostomia and physical functioning were the 2 most frequently assessed domains.

CONCLUSION

There is considerable heterogeneity in outcome domains and measures reported in clinical studies of xerostomia. This highlights the need for harmonization of dry mouth assessment to enhance comparability across studies and facilitate the synthesis of robust evidence for managing patients with xerostomia.

Efficacy of a glycopolymer-based oral rinse upon pain associated with ulcerative and erosive lesions of the oral mucosa: A within-subject pilot study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the magnitude of effect for a new topical rinse that may impact oral soreness and function in ulcerative oral mucosal lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-five consecutive patients with ulcerative/erosion lesion and moderate pain visual analogue pain score (≥4) rated their mouth and throat soreness and oral symptoms at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after open-label use of a chitosan-based, nonanesthetic oral rinse (Synvaza) at least twice a day. No changes in prior therapy, including analgesics, were allowed during the trial.

RESULTS

All measures of oral soreness decreased in severity from baseline to 72 hours, and overall oral soreness decreased by 28% (P < .01). Oral soreness associated with talking decreased by 67% (P < .01), drinking by 62% (P < .01), swallowing by 56% (P = .04), sleeping by 51% (P = .02) and eating by 50% (P < .01). The product was rated favorably for texture, flavor, soothing relief, mouth feel, and burning/stinging with use.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral rinsing with the study product reduced mucosal pain without anesthetic effect and improved oral function.