Evaluation of Salivary Immunoglobulin A, and Iron Ion in Relation to Dental Caries among Children with Beta Thalassemia Major (Karbala/Iraq) (Part One)

Abstract

Background: Beta Thalassemia Major is a hereditary disease, accompanied by many complications which may affect the oral health condition.The purposeof the present study was to assess the dental caries in relation to salivary immunoglobulin A,and iron concentration in saliva, among a group of boys and girls with beta thalassemia major in comparison with a control group.

Materials and methods: The study involved 40 children (boys and girls) with beta thalassemia major, aged 8-9 years compared to 40 healthy children with the same age and gender. dmfs/ds and DMFS/DS indices (WHO, 1987) were applied, unstimulated salivary samples were collected for estimation Secretory Immunoglobulin A and iron ion in saliva.

Results: Caries-experience was higher among beta thalassemia children compared to healthy children. dmfs/ds and DMFS/DS mean values were higher in study group  compared to control group, the differences were statistically not significant (p>0.05), except dmfs/ds for girls the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Secretory Immunoglobulin A level was higher in control group compared to study group, the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Iron ion concentration was higher in study group compared to control group, the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). There was negative with statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between secretory immunoglobulin A level and dmfs/ds in study group. The correlation between iron ion concentrations and dental caries was positive and statistically not significant(p>0.05)..

Conclusion: Dental carieswas higher in beta thalassemia major patients compared to normal children.