Impaired salivary gland function in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a case-control study

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate salivary gland function and oral health status in Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) children, comparing to a control group, and to investigate the possible influence of bisphosphonate (BP) treatment.

Materials and methods: Patients aged 8-15 years with any OI molecularly confirmed and gender-matched healthy control were consecutively recruited at the Section of Pediatric Dentistry (Dental School-University of Turin). Comprehensive dental examinations were conducted to evaluate carious lesions, plaque and gingival index, stimulated saliva flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity.

Results: A total al of 22 OI patients (mean age: 10.7 ± 2.4 years) and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 10.3 ± 2.3 years) were consecutively enrolled. In OI patients reduced saliva quality and quantity and poor oral health, were observed compared to healthy peers. OI subjects exhibited significantly lower stimulated salivary flow rates (SFR; P < 0.001), higher gingival inflammatory status (P = 0.003) and carious experience in both the deciduous (P = 0.038) and permanent dentition (P = 0.005) Stratifying data based on BP assumption, statistically significant differences in resting (P = 0.024) and stimulated SFR (P = 0.019) were observed as compared to OI subjects not using BP drugs.

Conclusions: Pediatric OI patients show reduced SFR and poor oral health, highlighting the need for regular screenings and early salivary management.

Clinical relevance: Impairment of salivary gland function is suggested by these preliminary data in pediatric patients with OI.