Clinical Study On Effects Of Dark Plum And Licorice Aerosol To Xerostomia In Diabetic Patients

ObjectiveFrom the perspective of Chinese Medicine,Yin deficiency is the pathogenesis of diabetes,which would result in xerostomia,thirst and increased urine output.This research is a clinical study on dark plum and licorice aerosol to relieve xerostomia in diabetic patients according to the theory of "sour and sweet herbs to nourish yin",on the basis of recent studies involving xerostomia and dark plum and licorice.The aim of the study is to provide evidence for clinical treatments and nursing to xerostomia in diabetic patients by observing the changes of saliva flow rate,saliva pH,water saliva and thirst degree scores.MethodsThis study is a clinical randomized controlled trial study,which has been approved by the Ethics Committee of a general hospital.50 diabetic patients with xerostomia were collected from the general hospital and equally divided into the experimental group and the control group randomly.All of the patients were given conventional diabetic nursing including diet education,exercise education,medication guidence,monitoring blood glucose guidance,etc.The experimental group received dark plum and licorice spray,while the control group received water spray.The clinical effects of dark plum and licorice spray were evaluated by saliva flow rate(unstimulated whole saliva,UWS),saliva pH,water consumption,Xerostomia Questionnaire(XQ)and Oral Health Impact scale Chinese version(Oral Health Impact Profile-14,OHIP-14)after 4 weeks.ResultsPre-study 1 included 15 patients in the experimental group and 15 patients in the control group.2 patients in the experimental group and 3 patients in the control group fell off,and 13 patients in the experimental group and 12 patients in the control group finally completed the study.There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).After the intervention,there were significant differences in saliva flow rate and dry mouth degree between the experimental group and the control group(P<0.05).The effective rate was 84.6%in the experimental group and 33.3%in the control group.Pre-study 2 included 10 patients in the experimental group and 10 patients in the control group.No one fell off,and all patients completed the study.There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).After the intervention,there was no difference in saliva flow rate and oral comfort between the experimental group and the control group(P>0.05),and there was significant difference in dry mouth degree between the two groups(P<0.05).A total of 50 patients were included in this study.1 patient in the experimental group and 1 patient in the control group were excluded after 4 weeks.In the end 24 patients in the experimental group and 24 in the control group finished the study.Baseline data difference of the experimental group and the control group was not statistically significant(P>0.05).So the results of comparison are reliable.The results of other indicators were as follows:1.Saliva flow rate:there was no statistically significant difference in saliva flow rate between 2 groups before intervention(P>0.05).After intervention,the average saliva flow rate of the experimental group increased(0.30±0.142)mg/min,while that of the control group increased(0.04±0.116)mg/min,and the difference between 2 groups was statistically significant(P<0.001).2.Saliva pH:there was no statistically significant difference in saliva pH between 2 groups before intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,the saliva pH of 2 groups changed little,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).3.Water consumption:there was no statistically significant difference in water consumption between 2 groups before intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,water consumption of the experimental group decreased by(408.33±201.983)ml,while that of the control group decreased by(131.25±141.277)ml.There was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P<0.05).4.XQ scores:there was no statistically significant difference in XQ scores between 2 groups before intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,XQ scores of the experimental group decreased by(18.13±7.985)points,while those of the control group decreased by(7.13±17.964)points.Symptoms of patients in the experimental group relieved and there was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P<0.05).5.OHIP-14 scores:there was no statistically significant difference in OHIP-14 scores between the 2 groups before intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,OHIP-14 scores of the experimental group decreased by(17.50±5.275)points,and those of the control group decreased by(21.92±5.508)points.There was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion1.Dark plum and licorice aerosol can significantly promote saliva secretion,relieve the xerostomia of diabetic patients and reduce the amount of water consumption.2.Dark plum and licorice aerosol has no effect on saliva pH.It will not lead to disorder of oral cavity and would not increase the risk of inducing oral diseases.3.The use of dark plum and licorice spray before and after meal can greatly promote saliva secretion,protect oral membrane,improve the comfort of taking food and improve oral health.