Critical evaluation of previously published data on the fractional urinary fluoride excretion in young children
Villa, A.E.
Community Dental Health 21(2): 155-160
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0265-539X PMID: 15228205 Document Number: 580511
There have been several investigations comparing total fluoride intake and the urinary fluoride excretion in young children. Average results of the fractional urinary fluoride excretion (FUFE) reported for this age group are controversial. To analyse previously published results exploring the influence that some metabolic variables, such as the F-dose (mg F/kg body weight), rate of urinary fluoride excretion, age and body weight, might have on FUFE values. Previously published results on average FUFE values in young children were analysed by means of bivariate correlations and when available, individual FUFE values were studied using multiple linear regression models. Published average FUFE values for young children are linearly correlated with the inverse of daily F-dose (r = 0.90; p < 0.0005). Individual FUFE values can be predicted by means of a multiple regression model using (dose)(-1), rate of F urinary excretion and age as significant predictors; multiple R2 = 0.947, and p < 0.0001, for all of the partial regression coefficients. Young children appear not to have a single average value for FUFE. A high proportion of its variability (81%) is explained by the inverse of the F-dose. About 95% of the variability of individual FUFE values for this age group is explained by (dose)(-1), rate of urinary F-excretion and age.