Effects of hydroxychloroquine on salivary flow rates and oral complaints of Sjögren patients: a prospective sample study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy effects subjective and/or objective complaints and salivary flow rates of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS).

Study Design: Thirty women recently diagnosed with PSS, scheduled for HCQ treatment (400 mg daily), participated and were clinically examined before initiation of 30 weeks of HCQ treatment. During baseline evaluation, both the objective and/or subjective oral findings were recorded. Unstimulated (uSFR) and stimulated salivary flow rates (sSFR) were determined. After initiation of HCQ treatment, study parameters were assessed at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks. Each patient served as her own control; measurements of the baseline and control times were analyzed by ANOVA.

Results: uSFR values increased significantly with HCQ treatment, but sSFR values, objective and/or subjective complaints did not change considerably.

Conclusion: A positive impact of 30 weeks of HCQ treatment only on uSFRs of SS patients was revealed.