[Changes in salivary secretion in pancreatic patients]

Saliva secretion was studied via pilocarpine test in 40 patients with pancreas exocrine insufficiency: 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 8 patients with pancreas carcinoma. After pilocarpine stimulation, the volume of saliva secretion was determined in ml., as well the concentration and quantity of the secreted bicarbonates, amylase and protein. The results were compared with a control group of 17 healthy subjects. Statistically significant diminution of all indices of saliva secretion was found in the patients with pancreas exocrine insufficiency (p less than 0.001). The correlation relationship between the changes of pancreas and saliva secretion was studied. Saliva secretion could be used as orientating test for the presence of pancreas exocrine insufficiency.