Randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of three different oral moisturizers in palliative care patients

Most patients in palliative care have problems with dry mouth caused by medication or as a direct result of their condition. Dry mouth may cause problems that affect the primary disease negatively and contribute to poorer quality of life in palliative patients. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of three different oral moisturizers: 17% watery solution of glycerol; oxygenated glycerol triester (marketed as Aequasyal in Europe and as Aquoral in the USA); and a newly developed product, Salient. Of the three products, glycerol provided the best relief from xerostomia directly after application, but had no effect after 2 h. By contrast, the effects of Aequasyal and Salient were largely maintained over the same period. The findings for oral discomfort and pain and speech problems showed a similar pattern. Despite its poor effect after 2 h, patients preferred glycerol over Salient and Aequasyal, probably because of the unpleasant taste of Aequasyal and the consistency and mode of application of Salient. Within the limitations of this study, none of the three products tested was found to be clinically completely adequate. However, the glycerol solution was preferred by this group of patients, and its short-lived effect can be compensated for by frequent applications.