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Published on: December 18, 2013
Saliva profiles in children using heart failure medication: a pilot study.
L Rosén1, A Rydberg, I Sjöström
1Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden. Linda.rosen@odont.umu.se
Summary
Children with severe heart disease on heart failure medication showed reduced salivary secretion, a potential risk factor for cavities. This study compared saliva profiles in these children to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Pediatric cardiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Children with severe heart disease often take heart failure medication.
- Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
- Medications can potentially alter physiological parameters, including saliva composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare saliva profiles in children with severe heart disease on heart failure medication versus healthy controls.
- To identify potential salivary biomarkers associated with heart failure in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional case-control study design was employed.
- Twenty-four pairs of age and gender-matched children participated.
- Stimulated saliva was collected, and parameters such as secretion rate, buffering capacity, bacterial counts, and ion concentrations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children in the cardiac group exhibited significantly lower salivary secretion rates compared to controls (p<0.01).
- Total viable bacterial counts were lower in the cardiac group (p<0.05).
- While not statistically significant, trends suggested differences in Mutans streptococci levels and ratios.
Conclusions:
- Reduced salivary secretion may represent a caries risk factor in children undergoing treatment for heart failure.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term oral health implications and management strategies.
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