Several studies have shown how cytostatics may cause hypofunction of salivary glands but failed to elucidate any potentially related side effects. Keeping in mind the sialochemical assistance and the role of saliva on the homeostasis of the stomatognathic system, the aim of this study was to establish potential gland disorders in patients submitted to 5- Fluorouracil (5-Fu) and Leucovorin calcium (LV) as well as their correlation with certain oral health disorders that diminish the quality of life.
Materials and methods: the focus of this research was observational and longitudinal. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with colon cancer at an initial, intermediate and late phase submitted to specifically devised therapy were assessed. Clinical history, oral health indexes and basal or stimulated saliva samples were recorded.
Results: Basal and stimulated flow dropped in the intermediate stage. Stimulated saliva pH decreased during treatment. On basal saliva, urea, sodium and potassium rose during the intermediate phase. Löe and Silness rates as well as simplified bleeding increased during therapy but reverted by the end of the treatment. Depth index of the vestibular gingival sulcus rose during the intermediate phase but did not return.
Conclusion: This treatment caused functional salivary gland disorders as evidenced by basal and stimulated hyposialia, and acidification of stimulated saliva pH during the intermediate phase. Increase in basal urea may be due to proteic catabolism arising from plasma or glands. Variation in Na+ and K+ of basal saliva concentrates might be assumed as a possible duct disorder. Recovery of bleeding and Löe and Silness rates may point to a transient inflammatory effect associated to a decrease in salivary flow. Increase in the depth rates of the periodontal vestibular sulcus could be correlated with a higher risk of periodontal disease.