Comparison of electrolyte concentrations in whole saliva of individuals with and without cerebral palsy

Objective: To analyze sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in whole saliva of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and compare them with those of normal individuals. Method and Materials: Thirty-six adolescents with CP aged 12.0 ± 1.8 years were compared with 36 healthy age-matched individuals. Saliva was collected under slight suction. Electrolyte concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma with atomic emission spectrometry. Results: Significant differences were observed with matched and unmatched flow rates. Sodium concentrations were significantly decreased, whereas potassium levels were significantly increased in the CP group. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium concentrations between adolescents with CP and controls. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is an alteration in the sodium and potassium concentration in whole saliva of individuals with CP. Palabras clave: adolescent, cerebral palsy, electrolyte, flow rate, potassium, saliva, sodium