Saliva, Serum Biochemical Parameters and DMFT in PLHIV

Objectives: Few studies exist on biochemical parameters and DMFT indices in patients living with HIV (PLHIV). The aim of the present study was to report preliminary results regarding salivary and serum biochemical parameters in PLHIV and DMFT indices as well.
Methods: Fifty PLHIV under antiretroviral therapy were included, unstimulated saliva and blood were collected between 9 and 11 a.m. The main following biochemical parameters were as follows: glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorides, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatases and salivary IgA and amylase. All patients underwent a digital panoramic radiography to evaluate their DMFT scores. Results were reported as frequencies and means (±SD). The student t-test was used to compare mean levels of salivary and serum parameters.
Results: Patients’ mean age was 39.48±10.06 with a male to female sex ratio of 3.54. The mean levels of the following parameters were higher in serum than in saliva: glucose (5.14±1.83 mmol/L), potassium (134.53±19.74 mmol/L), chlorides (100.18±14.82 74 mmol/L), calcium (2.16±0.46 74 mmol/L.) and alkaline phosphatase (89.88±35.60 mmol/L). The salivary IgA mean levels were 0.27±.0.19 g/L. Regarding DMFT scores, the mean levels were very high (08.04±06.90) based on WHO criteria (>6.5). Apical periodontitis was identified in 44% of the affected teeth. Indeed diffuse alveolar bone lysis was recorded in 20% of the patients.
Conclusions: DMFT scores are very high in PLHIV. The inclusion of negative HIV patients as a control group will allow us to test the correlation between DMFT scores and salivary and serum biochemical parameters