Capacity buffer of the saliva in children and adolescents with cancer: Variations induced by the administration of metotrexate or cyclophosphamide.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variations in the levels of capacity buffer of the saliva in children and adolescents with cancer that receiving Metotrexate or cyclophosphamide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical, random-controlled assay was carried out. The sample was composed by 24 children, ages between 2 and 16 years, with diagnostic of Leukemia and Lymphomas attending to The Autonomous Service of University Hospital of Maracaibo and Hospital of Pediatric Specialties. Two groups were conformed to which a sample of saliva was taken before and after the chemotherapy; twelve patients were randomly placed in the G1: patient receiving Metotrexate and twelve in the G2: patient receiving cyclophosphamide. In order to determine the capacity buffer, the CRT Buffer IVOCLAR VIVADENT was used. RESULTS: The capacity salivary buffer did not show significant differences before and after the administration of the cytostatic agents studied. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the Metotrexate or cyclophosphamide administration does not modify the salivary buffer capacity in pediatric patient with cancer.