CHANGES IN THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PARAMETERS OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS IN PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE BEFORE AND AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

The authors studied the condition of the salivary glands in 50 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure. A pronounced impairment of salivary gland function of the xerostomia type was established, which led to changes in the qualitative and quantitative parameters of mixed saliva. Before kidney transplantation, most patients showed dry mouth, decreased salivary secretion rate, increased saliva viscosity, deterioration of oral hygiene, and alterations in the biochemical composition of mixed saliva. Increased levels of total protein, potassium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and α-amylase were identified, reflecting severe renal dysfunction and a compensatory reaction of the salivary glands. Six months after kidney transplantation, a significant improvement in a number of clinical and laboratory indicators was observed: the severity of dry mouth and lips decreased, salivation recovered, saliva viscosity declined, the condition of the oral mucosa improved, and the gingivitis index decreased. At the same time, complete restoration of salivary gland function did not occur, and some biochemical parameters remained altered compared with normal values. The obtained results indicate the need for follow-up observation and preventive therapy of the salivary glands in patients after kidney transplantation in order to improve and restore their function.