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Mutans streptococci in xerostomic cancer patients after pilocarpine therapy: a pilot study.

Authors :
Chambers MS
Keene HJ
Toth BB
Lemon JC
Gallagher SC
Martin CG
Martin JW
Source :
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontology; 2005 Feb, Vol. 99 Issue 2, p180-184, 5p
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Opiod- and/or radiation-induced xerostomia in cancer patients is frequently associated with elevated levels of cariogenic mutans streptococci (MS). STUDY DESIGN: In a single-center, single blind 8-week clinical trial at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and from an initial sample of 32 patients, we evaluated MS counts in 28 cancer patients receiving chronic analgesic treatment for cancer pain. All patients received escalating doses of pilocarpine (Salagen) tablets, either 2.5 mg to 5 mg or 5 mg to 7.5 mg qid for 6 weeks, followed by placebo qid for a 2-week washout period. Whole resting saliva flow rates (g/5 min) and MS counts were evaluated at pretreatment, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. MS samples were obtained by 5-mL saline rinse (15 sec) at each visit prior to sialometry. RESULTS: In 19 patients (59%), MS counts exceeded 10(5) CFU/mL. At the end of the 6-week trial, 96% of patients showed a positive response to pilocarpine following a 30-minute postdosing evaluation (P=.001). MS counts were lower in 17 patients, higher in 6 patients, and nondetectable before and after pilocarpine in 5 patients (P=.03). CONCLUSION: The reduced MS counts associated with improved saliva flow rates following pilocarpine therapy in this short-term pilot study are encouraging, but further investigation in a larger group of patients over a longer study period is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10792104
Volume :
99
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
106532528
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.03.012