Salivary parameters in infants aged 12 to 60 months with Down syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to measure certain components in whole saliva from children with Down syndrome aged 12 months to 60 months. Twenty children with Down syndrome were compared with 18 children without Down syndrome. Whole saliva was collected under slight suction and the salivary pH was measured with a portable pH meter soon after collection. Electrolyte concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma with atomic emission spectrometry. Sialic acid was determined by thiobarbituric acid assay. Amylase was assayed measuring the maltose produced by the breakdown of starch and peroxidase with ortho-dianisidine. No statistically significant differences were observed in sialic acid, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations between the group with Down syndrome and the control group. Protein and sodium concentration were higher in the group with Down syndrome compared to the control group. On the other hand, the flow rate, pH, amylase and peroxidase activities and potassium concentration were lower in those with Down syndrome compared to those children in the control group.