Investigating the Correlation of Saliva Level Estimation in Spitting Methods and Schirmer's Modified Test (MST)

The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between two salivary estimation methods modified Schirmer test (MST) and spitting method. This could be used in xerostomic patients as a safe, cheap and available methods by clinicians.

The study was done as a cross sectional study. Measurements of unstimulated saliva was conducted  by spitting test, 1 time per subject at 9-12 am for 5 min and mean USFR was calculated by spitting saliva in a sterilized test tube. After resting for 30 min, the saliva estimation was done by Schirmer's Modified Test (MST) method for 3 minutes. The kappa test was used for correlation of data.

There were 100 samples, 40% male and 60% female. The mean age was 43 ± 2 years. 15% were smokers and 30% were drug users .No one used alcohol. 36 patients had xerostomia by spitting method and in Schirmer's Modified Test (MST) 32 had dry mouth. By both methods the 63 persons had no dry mouth and 31 persons had xerostomia .The correlation was 94% and 6%, respectively. Kappa test showed that the correlation of data between two methods was 96%. (P > 0.01) Spearman correlation coefficient.

It seems that both methods had a correlation with each other. It is proposed to design more studies about Schirmer's Modified Test (MST) application among patients suffering from Sjögren's syndrome or patients whom have been exposed to head and neck radiation.