IADR Abstract Archives
The Subjective Experience of Dentine Hypersensitivity – a Pooled Analysis
Objectives: The aim of this research was to assess the ability of a Quality of Life (QoL) measure, the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) to detect treatment effects using data pooled from seven randomised controlled clinical trials (RCT), and to explore the relationship between DHEQ scores and established clinical measures of Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH).
Methods: Data from seven RCTs, with clinical assessment of DH and DHEQ completion at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks treatment, were pooled and analysed. To assess treatment effects, repeated measures ANCOVA was performed with treatment (active treatment or control) and 4 and 8 week DHEQ total scores as dependent variables and baseline DHEQ total score as covariate. The relationship between two established clinical measures (Schiff sensitivity score, tactile threshold) and DHEQ total score and DHEQ domain scores at Baseline was investigated using correlation analysis.
Results: A total of 905 subjects participated in the 7 RCTs (mean age 40 years, range 18-65). The majority were female (775). Statistically significant reductions in DHEQ total score and all DHEQ domain scores were observed over time (with greater changes at Week 8). Overall, a small but statistically significant treatment effect was detected by the DHEQ, with treatment groups having lower total DHEQ scores compared to control groups. Small to moderate correlations were observed between baseline total DHEQ and DHEQ domain scores and clinical measures. Scores were positively correlated with Schiff sensitivity score and negatively correlated with tactile threshold.
Conclusions: The DHEQ was able to detect statistically significant decreases in DHEQ total scores and all domains over time with the effects being greater at week 8 than at Week 4. Small-moderate correlations with clinical measures were reported. There is evidence to support the use of the DHEQ as an additional measure in DH studies providing insight into the subjective experiences of individuals with DH.
Methods: Data from seven RCTs, with clinical assessment of DH and DHEQ completion at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks treatment, were pooled and analysed. To assess treatment effects, repeated measures ANCOVA was performed with treatment (active treatment or control) and 4 and 8 week DHEQ total scores as dependent variables and baseline DHEQ total score as covariate. The relationship between two established clinical measures (Schiff sensitivity score, tactile threshold) and DHEQ total score and DHEQ domain scores at Baseline was investigated using correlation analysis.
Results: A total of 905 subjects participated in the 7 RCTs (mean age 40 years, range 18-65). The majority were female (775). Statistically significant reductions in DHEQ total score and all DHEQ domain scores were observed over time (with greater changes at Week 8). Overall, a small but statistically significant treatment effect was detected by the DHEQ, with treatment groups having lower total DHEQ scores compared to control groups. Small to moderate correlations were observed between baseline total DHEQ and DHEQ domain scores and clinical measures. Scores were positively correlated with Schiff sensitivity score and negatively correlated with tactile threshold.
Conclusions: The DHEQ was able to detect statistically significant decreases in DHEQ total scores and all domains over time with the effects being greater at week 8 than at Week 4. Small-moderate correlations with clinical measures were reported. There is evidence to support the use of the DHEQ as an additional measure in DH studies providing insight into the subjective experiences of individuals with DH.