Evaluation of xerostomia in hematopoietic cell transplantation by a simple capacitance method device

Goals Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) may lead to the development of xerostomia. However, there have been few reports of xerostomia in HCT patients based on objective data. We investigated moisture in the oral mucosa in patients undergoing HCT by the capacitance method using a convenient device, Moisture Checker for Mucus (R) (MCM; Life Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan). Subjects and methods Thirty-six patients undergoing HCT at Okayama University Hospital of Medicine and Dentistry (Male=22, Female=14; age=41.6 +/- 16.2 years old) were enrolled in this study. Moisture in the oral mucosa was measured by MCM in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The results were obtained as MCM values (%), which are the weight percentage of water content in the oral mucosal epithelium. As controls, moisture of the oral mucosa was also examined in healthy volunteers (Male=27, Female=35; age=43.0 +/- 14.6 years old). Main results Throughout the examination period, MCM values were significantly lower in patients who underwent HCT than in controls. The degree of mucosal moisture in HCT patients showed wide interindividual differences. Conclusion The degree of mucosal moisture in HCT patients was low and showed wide interindividual differences. Evaluation of xerostomia using such a device may contribute to appropriate oral care with saliva substitute.