Salivary Flow Rate, Calcium, Urea, Total Protein, and Amylase Levels in Fanconi Anemia

Objectives: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disease characterized by a chromosomal instability that develops a progressive pancitopenia, leukemia, and/or solid tumors. Nevertheless, it is unknown if this illness induces changes on the salivary gland parenchyma and function. The aim of this study was to assess the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR) and calcium, urea, total protein, and amylase levels in saliva of FA patients. Methods: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 34 randomly selected FA patients and 34 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Both samples were analyzed for salivary flow rate, calcium, urea, total proteins, and amylase. The SSFR was analyzed by gravimetric method and calcium, urea, total protein, and amylase concentrations were realized by chemistry tests. Results: Mean values of SSFR for experimental and control groups were, respectively, 0.5 mL/min and 0.8 mL/min (P<0.05). Calcium concentration was 36% (P<0.05) and urea concentration was 21% (P<0.01) lower in the FA group saliva compared with saliva from the controls. The saliva concentration of amylase was almost equal in both groups. Conclusions: FA patients may exhibit significant changes in SSFR, calcium, and urea concentration of saliva.