The management of xerostomia in patients on haemodialysis: comparison of artificial saliva and chewing gum.

Abstract

Many patients on haemodialysis (HD) therapy suffer from a dry mouth and xerostomia. This can be relieved by mechanical and gustatory stimulation or palliative care. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate the effect and preferences of a sugar-free chewing gum (Freedent White) and a xanthan gum-based artificial saliva (Xialine) in the management of xerostomia in chronic HD patients. Sixty-five HD patients participated in a 6-week crossover trial. The artificial saliva was rated significantly lower than the chewing gum for effectiveness, taste and a global assessment. No preference differences were found for gender and age, although older subjects rated the artificial saliva with a higher mark. Thirty-nine subjects (60%) preferred chewing gum, 15% (n=10) preferred the artificial saliva. Therefore, both chewing gum and artificial saliva could play an important role in the palliative care of xerostomia in HD patients.

• Authors: Casper P Bots, Henk S Brand, Enno C I Veerman, Marianne Valentijn-Benz, Barbara M Van Amerongen, Arie V Nieuw Amerongen, Robert M Valentijn, Pieter F Vos, Joost A Bijlsma, Pieter D Bezemer, Piet M ter Wee
• Journal: Palliative medicine (Palliat Med) Vol. 19 Issue 3 Pg. 202-7 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 0269-2163 [Print] England
• PMID: 15920934 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Chewing Gum
• Saliva, Artificial

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Analysis of Variance
• Chewing Gum
• Cross-Over Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Renal Dialysis (adverse effects)
• Saliva, Artificial (therapeutic use)
• Xerostomia (etiology, therapy)