Clinical grading scale of xerostomia*
Grade | Characteristics |
---|---|
1, Mild | Symptomatic (dry or thick saliva) without significant dietary alteration |
2, Moderate | Symptomatic and significant oral intake alteration (eg, copious water, other lubricants, diet limited to purees and/or soft moist foods) |
3, Severe | Symptoms leading to inability to adequately aliment orally; IV fluids, tube feedings, or parenteral nutrition indicated |
* Clinical severity of radiation-induced xerostomia is classified into 3 grades using CTCAE Version 3.0 modified criteria.