[Saliva secretion and concentration and secretion of salivary amylase in low-birth weight infants].

Saliva samples were collected in the first day of life from 22 newborn infants, weighing between 1,22-2,26 kg and 27 newborn infants, weighing between 2,60-3,80 (controls). After 30 days new samples were obtained from 11 children from the first group and 16 children from the control group. Related to capacity of saliva secretion from the control group, no significant difference was observed between both groups. Contrary what is observed for other enzymes of the digestive tract, secretion and concentration of salivary amylase is not affected in low birth weight infants.