Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
07:44

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Published on: April 24, 2016

Treatment of xerostomia: a systematic review of therapeutic trials

Michael T Brennan1, Galib Shariff, Peter B Lockhart

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Post Office Box 3280, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA. mike.brennan@carolinashealthcare.org

Dental Clinics of North America
|November 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Existing xerostomia treatment literature is weak due to biases in randomized controlled trials. Improved clinical trial design is crucial for reliable xerostomia intervention efficacy, ensuring patient applicability.

Area of Science:

  • Oral Medicine
  • Clinical Trial Methodology
  • Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth) management literature relies heavily on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Existing research in xerostomia treatment exhibits significant bias and methodological weaknesses.
  • The reliability of reported efficacy in xerostomia interventions is questionable due to study quality issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the quality of existing literature on xerostomia treatment.
  • To identify common biases and weaknesses in randomized controlled trials for xerostomia.
  • To emphasize the need for improved clinical trial design in xerostomia research.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Analysis of identified biases and methodological flaws within the selected studies.
  • Evaluation of the impact of study design quality on the interpretation of efficacy results.

Main Results:

  • The systematic review identified a wide range of biases in the literature concerning xerostomia treatment.
  • Weaknesses in study design were prevalent, compromising the validity of reported outcomes.
  • Statistically significant efficacy findings are only meaningful within well-controlled, appropriately designed trials.

Conclusions:

  • The current body of evidence for xerostomia interventions is limited by significant bias and methodological flaws.
  • Close evaluation of clinical trial quality is essential for determining the applicability of findings to patient populations.
  • Future xerostomia management studies must prioritize robust design to minimize bias and enhance confidence in treatment efficacy.

Related Concept Videos

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:11

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Direct-acting cholinergic agonists have many therapeutic uses in various medical fields. Choline esters, including acetylcholine, have limited clinical utility due to their non-selectivity and short duration of action. Still, acetylcholine and carbachol are applied topically during ophthalmologic surgery to induce miosis. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic and ganglionic stimulator, effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and alleviates xerostomia and dry mouth caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren syndrome.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists01:27

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses01:26

Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses

Antimuscarinic drugs have various therapeutic applications by inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation in different systems. Here are the key therapeutic uses of antimuscarinics:    
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management01:26

Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management

Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...