Comorbidity Patterns Among Patients Diagnosed with Sialolithiasis: A Retrospective Analysis

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sialolithiasis, or salivary stone formation, is a common salivary gland disorder.
• Its exact cause remains unclear, though obesity, smoking, and systemic diseases are implicated.
• This study investigates sialolithiasis characteristics in Saudi Arabia, focusing on systemic disorder links.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore sialolithiasis characteristics in Saudi Arabian patients.
• To identify potential associations between systemic disorders and sialolithiasis development.
• To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 375 patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis (2016-2024).
• Data collected included demographics, BMI, and presence/timing of systemic disorders (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, asthma, cancer).
• Statistical analysis to determine correlations and risk profiles.

Main Results:

• The study included 55.5% males with a mean age of 39.8 and mean BMI of 28.
• Dyslipidemia (32.9%) was the most common systemic condition, followed by diabetes mellitus (23.5%) and hypertension (20.3%).
• Hypertension and diabetes mellitus often preceded sialolithiasis diagnosis; dyslipidemia showed a higher risk profile.

Conclusions:

• Sialolithiasis incidence appears influenced by lifestyle and systemic conditions, with elevated BMI as a potential factor.
• Systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus may be linked to salivary stone formation.
• Findings support a multifactorial pathophysiology, possibly involving hyposalivation due to disease or medication.