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The influence of hypothyroidism and thyroid replacement therapy on stimulated parotid flow rates
P S Dixit1, E M Ghezzi, L A Wagner-Lange
1School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine, through use of cross-sectional and longitudinal data, whether hypothyroidism and its treatment with thyroid hormones have a significant effect on the production of stimulated parotid flow rates.
Study Design:
From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (NIA, NIH), subjects with hypothyroidism taking and not taking thyroid replacement therapy were evaluated for the production of 2% citrate-stimulated parotid saliva in a cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation. Comparisons were made with nonmedicated healthy control subjects.
Results:
Cross-sectional analyses revealed that stimulated parotid flow rates were not significantly different between healthy controls, subjects with hypothyroidism on thyroid replacement therapy, and subjects with hypothyroidism not on thyroid replacement therapy. In general, longitudinal analyses revealed no significant differences over time in stimulated parotid flow rates between healthy controls and subjects with hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
Hypothyroidism and the concomitant use of thyroid replacement therapy do not cause significant changes in the production of stimulated parotid saliva.