Saliva based analysis of biochemical factors in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysiS

Abstract

Background: Use of saliva as alternative to blood in monitoring systemic diseases is still subject to continued research. Hence, this study evaluated changes in biochemical composition of saliva and plasma before and after hemodialysis and also determined the correlation between these factors in saliva and plasma of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A cross sectional study that included 50 patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. Whole saliva and blood samples were collected from the participants before and after dialysis. Samples were analyzed for urea, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Data were compared using Related Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Correlation between plasma and salivary parameters was determined using Spearman's correlation test. Results: Levels of salivary urea and creatinine were reduced in the post dialysis state in consistence with reduced plasma levels. Salivary and plasma bicarbonate levels were elevated in the post dialysis state compared to pre-dialysis while both salivary and plasma levels of total protein, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride did not show significant change. There were positive correlations between salivary and plasma creatinine and potassium in the post dialysis state as well as calcium in both pre and post dialysis states. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that saliva reflects plasma levels of biochemical factors in patients with CKD in the pre and post dialysis states. Hence, saliva may be an alternative to blood in monitoring patients with CKD undergoing dialysis.