THE DIFFERENCES IN SALIVARY SECRETORY IMUNOGLOBULIN A (SIGA) LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER CONSUMPTION OF LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI PROBIOTICS IN CHILDREN WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR EXPERIENCING GINGIVITIS

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by genetic mutations that prevent the body from producing normal haemoglobin. A common oral manifestation in patients with thalassemia is a high incidence of gingivitis, caused by iron overload and a decreased immune response to infection. A decrease in salivary sIgA levels can increase the risk of periodontal tissue infection. Probiotics can stimulate the immune system, thereby increasing sIgA production. Evaluate the differences in salivary sIgA levels before and after Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic consumption in children with thalassemia major. The study was conducted in the Blood Transfusion Room at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo), Jakarta, Indonesia. This research employed an experimental test design. This research involved 16 children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with thalassemia major with gingivitis. The study commenced with unstimulated saliva sampling before probiotic administration. After 14
days of probiotic consumption, unstimulated saliva was collected again. The sIgA levels in the saliva samples were quantitatively assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. The study showed that the mean salivary sIgA level before probiotic consumption was 0.97 ± 0.54, and the mean after was 1.31 ± 0.73. Paired t-test results yielded a p-value of 0.100 (>0.05), indicating no statistically significant difference. Fourteen days of Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic consumption increased salivary sIgA levels in children diagnosed with Thalassemia major with gingivitis, though the increase was not statistically significant.