Sialo-Chemistry Of Patients With Rheumatoid-Arthritis - Electrolytes, Protein, And Salivary Iga

Sialochemistry was undertaken to detect subclinical involvement of salivary glands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The concentrations of salivary sodium and IgA were significantly elevated in 24 percent of the RA patients. Eighty per cent of the patients with elevated sodium and IgA concentrations had keratoconjunctivitis sicca as well. No correlation between serum and salivary IgA levels was found. The results indicate that salivary sodium and IgA levels can be used for detection of subclinical salivary gland involvement and for follow-up of RA patients.