Composition of the parotid saliva in Chilean children with Down's syndrome.

Parotid gland saliva was collected from three groups of Chilean human subjects: Down syndrome, non-Down mentally retarded, and normal individuals. Their salivary flows, pH and electrolyte concentrations were determined. Variables were subjected to ANOVA statistical tests that showed no differences between Down and control groups in salivary flow, pH, chloride, sodium and bicarbonate concentrations. The potassium concentration in the saliva from Down syndrome patients was significantly lower than that of control individuals. Student's t-tests showed significant differences between Down syndrome individuals and controls for potassium and sodium. These last differences may be indicative of a characteristic trait of the trisomic state or of the syndrome itself.