Arch Otolaryngol
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Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a clinical symptom due to a number of factors, including Sjögren syndrome and radiation treatment to the head and neck region. It has been reported that acupuncture increases the salivary flow rate (SFR) in healthy subjects and in patients with xerostomia. A prognostic tool that would allow the care provider to identify patients who may respond to acupuncture treatment will aid in early intervention and thus lead to normalized SFR or relief of symptoms. ⋯ The pilocarpine test was found to have a high sensitivity and good positive predictive value in identifying patients who may respond to acupuncture for the treatment of xerostomia.