Does the neuromotor abnormality type affect the salivary parameters in individuals with cerebral palsy?
BACKGROUND
Previous studies reported alterations in salivary flow rate and biochemical parameters of saliva in cerebral palsy (CP) individuals; however, none of these considered the type of neuromotor abnormality among CP individuals, thus it remains unclear whether the different anatomical and extended regions of the brain lesions responsible for the neurological damage in CP might include disruption of the regulatory mechanism of saliva secretion as part of the encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in saliva of individuals with CP, aged 3-16 years, with spastic neuromotor abnormality type and clinical patterns of involvement.


METHODS
Sixty-seven individuals with CP spasticity movement disorder, were divided in two groups according to age (3-8- and 9-16-years-old) and compared with 35 sibling volunteers with no neurological damage, divided in two groups according to age (3-8- and 9-16-years-old). Whole saliva was collected under slight suction and pH and buffer capacity were determined using a digital pH meter. Buffer capacity was measured by titration using 0.01N HCL, and flow rate was calculated in ml/min.


RESULTS
In both age groups studied, whole saliva flow rate, pH and buffer capacity were significantly lower in the spastic CP group (P<0.05). The clinical patterns of involvement did not influence the studied parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings show that individuals with spastic cerebral palsy present lower salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity that can increase the risk of oral disease in this population.
Santos
Maria Teresa
MT
Persons with Disabilities Division, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, Rua Constantino de Souza 454, São Paulo, Brazil. drsantosmt@yahoo.com.br
Guaré
Renata
R
Leite
Mariana
M
Ferreira
Maria Cristina
MC
Nicolau
Jose
J
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000145:classification; D012016:Reference Values; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D012472:Salivation / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index