We measured salivary flow rate, and sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and amylase isozyme in mixed saliva and serum of various salivary conditions. And their clinical significance was discussed. Subjects consist of three groups; 25 cases of Sjouml;gren's syndrome, 17 cases of xerostomia, and 15 cases of healthy control. The following results were obtained:
1. A significant decrease of salivary flow rate was noted in the patients of Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia (1.5±0.7ml/min in Sjouml;gren's syndrome, 1.6±0.9ml/min in xerostomia and 2.4±0.5ml/min in control, P<0.01). In Sjögren's syndrome, there was positive relationship between salivary flow rate and Schirmer's tear test (r=0.55).
2. Sodium and chloride in saliva significantly increased in Sjögren's syndrome (sodium; 33.2 ±13.9mEq/l in Sjouml;gren's syndrome, 19.8±9.0mEq/l in xerostomia and 18.4±7.0mEq/l in control, P<0.01. chloride; 29.8±12.7mEq/l in Sjouml;gren's syndrome, 216±5.7mEq/l in xerostomia and 18.7±4.7mEq/l in control, P<0.01). No significant difference was found in salivary electrolytes, such as potassium and calcium.
3. In both of Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia, very high concentration of salivery amylase was measured.
4. There was no significant difference of serum electrolytes and serum S-type amylase among three groups examined. It is a reason why salivary sodium and chloride showed high concentration in Sjögren's syndrome that the re-absorption of sodium and chloride were interrupted by changes of ductal epithelium.
In conclusion, it suggests that the measurement of salivary sodium and chloride is most available for diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.
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