Evaluation of Salivary Helicobacter pylori, Calcium, Urea, pH and Flow Rate in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is identified as a major cause of stomach ulcers, chronic inflammation and gastric cancer in hemodialysis patients. Dialysis also leads to changes in the composition and flow of saliva.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the salivary Helicobacter pylori infection, Calcium, Urea, pH and flow rate in hemodialysis patients in comparison to the healthy control group.

Methods: In this study 48 hemodialysis patients and 48 healthy subjects were compared. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by PCR method. Calcium, Urea, pH, salivary flow and gastrointestinal complications in both groups were measured and compared.

Results: Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 12.48 (25.0%) in the study group and 2.48 (4.2%) in the controls (P=0.000). Urea, calcium and pH were significantly higher in the patient group. The mean salivary flow rate decreased significantly in the patient group. 58.3% of patients group had gastrointestinal complications.

Conclusion: Oral cavity as an important external source of Helicobacter pylori may play an important role in gastrointestinal problems of hemodialysis patients. Helicobacter pylori, Urea, calcium and pH were significantly higher in the patient group. Chronic renal failure can increase pH, urea and calcium in saliva and decrease salivary flow rate.