593 SALIVARY CORTISOL LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME

Abstract

Background and aims: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be considered as a chronic pain syndrome with symptoms usually lasting for several months to several years. Different psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression can be associated with BMS, and in these conditions many metabolic and endocrine changes occur. Among these, a rise of the cortisol levels is one of the most important physiological effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate salivary cortisol level in patients with BMS. Patients and methods: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. They were classified into two subgroups based on presence of burning mouth syndrome (study group), and those without (control group). Both groups comprise twenty subjects (Study group: females 14, males 6, mean age 63.3 ± 9.03 ; control group: females 13, males 7, mean age 61.3 ± 8.2). The amounts of salivary cortisol were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean salivary cortisol level in BMS group was 2.20 ± 0.72 µg/dl while in control group was 0.37 ± 0.26 µg/dl. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between groups (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The BMS group showed significantly higher salivary cortisol level than control group. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the whether the high level of cortisol is connected with some of the BMS etiological factors or is respond to stress connected with permanent pain sensations.