Xerostomia and medication: a cross-sectional study in long-term geriatric wards.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of xerostomia in old people living in long-term geriatric wards, and to measure the relationship between xerostomia and etiologic factors such as age and medication (total number of medications, xerogenic medications, anticholinergic medications and medications that induce hypersialorrhea).


METHODS
An observational retrospective, comparative, multicentre epidemiological study.


METHODS
Long-term geriatric wards, in Reims, France.


METHODS
769 old people living in long-term geriatric wards.


METHODS
Prevalence of xerostomia assessed from age, total number of medications, xerogenic medications, anticholinergic medications and those that induce hypersialorrhea. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI).


RESULTS
Among 769 old people (average age 84.6±8.4 years old), 287 residents suffered from xerostomia (37.3%). Significant predictors of xerostomia were: resident's age OR=1.56, 95% CI (1.30-1.88), p<0.0001 and anticholinergic medications OR=1.35, 95% CI (1.05-1.73), p=0.02. The only protective factor against xerostomia identified was medications that induce hypersialorrhea OR=0.81, 95% CI (0.67-0.98), p=0.03. The total number of medications and xerogenic medications did not play a significant role in xerostomia.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing Age and anticholinergic medications induce a dry mouth. Conversely, the total number of medications and xerogenic medications do not influence xerostomia. Medications that induce hypersialorrhea protect against the occurrence of dry mouth.
University Hospital of Reims, Department of Odontology, Reims, France.
A
A
Desoutter
M
M
Soudain-Pineau
F
F
Munsch
C
C
Mauprivez
T
T
Dufour
J-L
JL
Coeuriot
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D013894:Thirst / Q000187:drug effects; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists