Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
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J. Oral Pathol. Med. · Aug 2011
Comparative StudySalivary osmolality and hydration status in children with cerebral palsy.
Unstimulated whole salivary parameters have been identified as potential markers of hydration status. Reduced salivary flow rate and increased salivary osmolality have been shown to be useful to identify dehydration, even when minimal loss of body water occurs. This study aimed to evaluate whether unstimulated salivary flow rate and salivary osmolality from individuals with cerebral palsy correlate with plasma and urine osmolality. ⋯ Cerebral palsy children seem to present impaired adequate hydration status. Since the possible hypohydration condition may be reflected in saliva fluid, which could compromise the protective function exerted by saliva, the earlier this condition is identified the greater the chances of administering preventive measures. Moreover, salivary osmolality is a reliable parameter that reflects changes in plasma and urine.