Reply to Currie et al.

[Extract] We would like to thank Currie et al.3 for initiating a discussion on our recent publication to rename and improve the International Classification of Diseases-11 disease criteria for burning mouth syndrome.4 In this article, we presented the results of a consensus reached by an international group of experts using the Delphi methodology.2 As Currie et al. pointed out, there are many overlapping and complementary aspects between the betaversion of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Burning Mouth Syndrome (RDC/BMS) and our work, strengthening and increasing the validity of each.2–4 We agree with most of what Currie et al. have written in their letter.3 However, regarding nomenclature, we would like to encourage using the term burning mouth disorder in the beta version of the RDC/BMS until there is additional evidence for the cause(s) of oral burning symptoms at which time an ontological approach to the name may be substituted. In our previous publication, our team also highlighted a number of reasons why the word syndrome could be replaced with the word disorder.6 The adoption of the term temporomandibular disorders and creation of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs) is not without ontological flaws, as noted by Ceusters et al.1 However, it has provided a standardized nomenclature and robust framework for research into the etiology, pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of the disorders.8 By using the term burning mouth disorder, the beta version of the RDC/BMS could serve as a model framework for future research

Consensus agreement to rename burning mouth syndrome and improve ICD-11 disease criteria

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) proposes revisions in the nomenclature, disease definition, and diagnostic criteria for “burning mouth syndrome” (BMS). This process could benefit from additional systematically collected expert input. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use the Delphi method to (1) determine whether revision in nomenclature and alternative names for “BMS” are warranted and (2) identify areas of consensus among experts for changes to the disease description and proposed diagnostic criteria of “BMS,” as described in the ICD-11 (World Health Organization). From 31 international invited experts, 23 who expressed interest were sent the survey. The study used 4 iterative surveys, each with a response rate of ≥82%. Consensus was predefined as 70% of participants in agreement. Data were summarized using both descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Consensus indicated that BMS should not be classified as a syndrome and recommended instead renaming to “burning mouth disorder.” Consensus included deletion of 2 diagnostic criteria: (1) emotional distress or functional disability and (2) the number of hours symptoms occur per day. Additional items that reached consensus clarified the disease definition and proposed more separate diagnostic criteria, including a list of local and systemic factors to evaluate as potential secondary causes of oral burning. Experts in this study recommended and came to consensus on select revisions to the proposed ICD-11 BMS nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and disease definition. The revisions recommended have the potential to improve clarity, consistency, and accuracy of diagnosis for this disorder

Consensus agreement to rename burning mouth syndrome and improve International Classification of Diseases-11 disease criteria:an international Delphi study

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) proposes revisions in the nomenclature, disease definition, and diagnostic criteria for “burning mouth syndrome” (BMS). This process could benefit from additional systematically collected expert input. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use the Delphi method to (1) determine whether revision in nomenclature and alternative names for “BMS” are warranted and (2) identify areas of consensus among experts for changes to the disease description and proposed diagnostic criteria of “BMS,” as described in the ICD-11 (World Health Organization). From 31 international invited experts, 23 who expressed interest were sent the survey. The study used 4 iterative surveys, each with a response rate of ≥82%. Consensus was predefined as 70% of participants in agreement. Data were summarized using both descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Consensus indicated that BMS should not be classified as a syndrome and recommended instead renaming to “burning mouth disorder.” Consensus included deletion of 2 diagnostic criteria: (1) emotional distress or functional disability and (2) the number of hours symptoms occur per day. Additional items that reached consensus clarified the disease definition and proposed more separate diagnostic criteria, including a list of local and systemic factors to evaluate as potential secondary causes of oral burning. Experts in this study recommended and came to consensus on select revisions to the proposed ICD-11 BMS nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and disease definition. The revisions recommended have the potential to improve clarity, consistency, and accuracy of diagnosis for this disorder