Evaluation of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacities in end-stage renal disease patients versus control – A prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND: Saliva plays a major role in preserving the integrity of oral tissues. Chronic renal failure patient undergoes many oral and salivary changes for which they require special oral health care. The patient undergoing hemodialysis session has altered salivary composition. Many changes occur during hemodialysis that severely affect the flow rate and the biochemical composition of saliva. METHODS: A total of 50 patients of end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis for renal insufficiency were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria set prior to the study. These patients were compared with the control group who had already undergone hemodialysis. A total of 30 patients were selected as a control group. In this study, unstimulated whole saliva was collected by the spitting method before and after the dialysis session. Salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacities were measured. RESULTS: Hemodialysis had a significant effect on the salivary flow rate. The mean pH of unstimulated whole saliva showed no significant changes before and after dialysis. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, chloride, and potassium in the whole saliva changed markedly before and after a hemodialysis session, whereas no significant difference was seen in the concentration of sodium and calcium. CONCLUSION: Through this study, we came into a conclusion that hemodialysis had a significant effect on salivary secretion and the biochemical composition of saliva. We conclude that the observed changes in salivary concentrations and the flow rate are mainly due to an increased watery secretion from the salivary glands and also saliva can be used as a tool for monitoring hemodialysis.