Study of Salivary Flow and Saliva PH in a Group of HBV & HCV Patients

Abstract

Goals & Background: Chronic diseases and long-term course diseases has many generalized and localized complications; One of the most important body parts in which we should study and examine these complications is the oral cavity as it is an entrance to the body and a mirror to the general health. It is important to examine oral components and structures in HBV & HCV patients for they often discover their infection after years; an enough time for potential -generalized and circulating- effects of these two diseases that might also affect salivary glands. The goal of the research was to detect if salivary glands' secretions and function can be affected by HBV and HCV and what effect circulating viral load and immunological and systemic effects of these two diseases can cause to saliva production.

Materials & Methods: Patients group included 88 patients with HBV or HCV disease in Damascus hospital depending on some inclusion and exclusion standards. Salivary flow tests were performed through collecting 5 minutes saliva secretion samples according to some terms and standards. Saliva PH tests were performed through PH quick-result strips.

Results: After handling patients' data and tests results, statistical tests had shown statistical meaningful difference in salivary flow and saliva PH in HBV and HCV patients comparing to standard values, and statistical meaningful negative correlation between disease duration and salivary flow and PH. These results can help us understanding HBV and HCV oral complications and its possible role in increasing dental caries and biofilm-induced gingivitis.

Conclusion: Through this study, we found a decrease in salivary flow and saliva PH in a group of HBV and HCV patients and the longer disease duration is the lower salivary flow and saliva PH gets.