title: Efficacy of a novel lubricating system in the management of radiotherapy-related xerostomia.
abstract: A comparison was made of Oral Balance gel delivered by slow release via a novel intra-oral device versus an oral bolus of gel on the oral health condition and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients who had received standard head and neck irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Twenty-two participants took part in a randomized single-blind crossover clinical study. Each treatment lasted 4 weeks with an intervening 4 weeks washout period. The GOHAI, Xerostomia Inventory and patient satisfaction measures were self-completed and oral health condition assessed objectively at baseline (week 0) and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Oral Balance gel, in bolus and slow-release forms, was effective in improving aspects of oral health, notably a reduction in oral cariogenic micro-organisms. Slow release of gel via the intra-oral device did not appear to improve OHRQoL whereas gel alone reduced the severity of xerostomia symptoms and was the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong. annemcmillan@hku.hk
authors.forename: Anne S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: C S Peter
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: May C M
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Andrew Y L
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Kam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012472:Salivation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005782:Gels; C114318:Oral Balance; D011108:Polymers; D012464:Saliva, Artificial