Abstract: Objectives. The aims were to compare saliva secretion rate, buffer capacity, cariogenic bacteria, total protein, IgA, and electrolytes between patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) and control subjects and to study correlations between saliva and serum levels of IgA and electrolytes in 22q11DS patients.

Study design. Twenty-nine consecutive 22q11DS patients (mean age 12.6 years) and matched healthy control subjects were clinically examined, and stimulated saliva samples were collected.

Results. Patients with 22q11DS had impaired salivary secretion rate (P <.01) and buffer capacity (P <.05), higher numbers of cariogenic bacteria (P <.01), increased saliva protein concentrations (P <.001), and reduced output of electrolytes (P <.001 -.05) compared with control subjects. A correlation between concentration in serum and saliva was found only for IgA (r =.622; P<.01).

Conclusions. Different salivary components were affected in patients with 22q11DS, which may explain the increased caries risk seen in these patients.