ANALYSIS OF THE SALIVARY BIOCHEMISTRY OF TWO PATIENTS AFTER RADIOIODINE TREATMENT

Introduction: Salivary gland damage such as xerostomia and sialadenitis is one of the most frustrating complications after radioactive iodine (131I) therapy. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate salivary flow rate, pH, and salivary composition in patients exposed to 131I. Study Design: Two patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma had total thyroidectomy and 131I exposure in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and were evaluated by unstimulated whole saliva (UWS). After collection, the sample was weighted and the salivary flow rate was calculated. The pH analysis was determined by means of Digimed 2-D portable pH meter, total protein concentration in the saliva was assessed by the Lowry method, and amylase was determined by the Bellavia method. Results: The doses of radioiodine were 118.8 mCi for patient 1 and 152.3 mCi for patient 2. Regarding salivary pH, patient 1 was at 6.9 and patient 2 at 6.2. Total protein and alpha amylase was (15 000 ug/mL and 2870 mg/mL ) in patient 1 and (10.78 ug/mL and 2377 mg/mL) in patient 2. When comparing healthy saliva to the saliva after 131I, a significant decrease was noted in all parameters. Patients exposed to 131I present with salivary alterations even after years of treatment, which has an effect on their quality of life.