Extent and severity of chronic periodontitis in chronic kidney disease patients

Could uric acid to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio be considered as a marker of hemodialysis sufficiency?

Aim: Hemodialysis (HD) is one of the most widely utilized renal replacement therapies in individuals with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to compare the Uric acid to HDL cholesterol ratio (UHR) levels of well-treated HD patients to those of those who had inadequate HD therapy. Materials and Methods: Data on HD patients were acquired from patient files and the institution's database. A URR value of more than 70% designated the sufficient HD group, whereas less than 70% defined the insufficient HD group. Furthermore, laboratory data, such as the UHR of the study groups, were compared. Results: The UHRs for adequate and inadequate HD were 0.160±04 and 0.20±0.07, respectively. The UHR of patients with insufficient HD was substantially greater than that of the subjects with sufficient HD (p=0.004). Besides, UHR was substantially and positively connected with urea before HD (r=0.37, p=0.001), urea after HD (r=0.39, p=0.001), serum creatinine before HD (r=0.48, p0.001), serum creatinine after HD (r=0.45, p0.001), and negatively correlated with URR (r=-0.29, p=0.008), according to correlation analyses. In individuals with chronic renal disease, a UHR value higher than 0.16 exhibited 67% sensitivity and 57% specificity in detecting inadequate HD. Conclusion: We propose that UHR, in addition to URR, might be used to determine HS sufficiency in CKD patients undergoing HD therapy.

Risk factors of severe periodontitis in kidney transplant recipients: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) represent a vulnerable group of patients who develop a number of comorbidities. Severe periodontitis (SP) is associated with the most common chronic systemic diseases including kidney diseases. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for SP in KTRs.

METHODS

In this study, KTRs were divided into those with or without periodontitis and in relation to the severity of periodontitis. A comprehensive medical and periodontal examination was performed and evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine possible risk factors for SP among KTRs.

RESULTS

A total of 100 KTRs were included in the analysis, of which 87% had periodontitis. Significant predictors of periodontitis were older age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.01, 1.13], p = 0.016) and lower skeletal muscle mass (OR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.78, 0.99], p = 0.035). When examining periodontitis severity, predictors of SP (n = 21, 24%) were increased levels of uric acid (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.02], p = 0.022) and dental plaque (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01, 1.07], p = 0.013). In the subset analysis that included only KTRs with measured advanced glycation end products (AGE) (n = 47), 34% (n = 16) had SP. The predictors of SP were AGE (OR = 3.89, 95% CI [1.28, 11.82], p = 0.017) and dental plaque (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.01, 1.13], p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

KTRs with SP had significantly higher uric acid levels and AGE, which may contribute to the systemic health status of this patient population.

Association between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis. A systematic review and metanalysis

OBJECTIVES

Aims of this SR were to assess the association of Periodontitis (PD) with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and with different CKD stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Trials and EMBASE, up to April 4, 2021 were searched. RCTs, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies were considered. JBI's Critical Appraisal Tool for risk of bias assessment was used. The risk of PD was calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (MH-OR); weighted mean difference for clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontal probing depth (PPD) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of 1949 titles screened, 142 full texts were evaluated and 17 studies were included. CKD was associated to higher risk of PD (MH-OR = 2.36, [95% C.I. 1.25, 4.44]; p = 0.008), higher mean CAL (WMD = 0.41 mm [95% C.I. 0.22, 0.60]; p < 0.0001) and mean PPD (WMD = 0.25 mm [95% C.I. 0.03, 0.47]; p = 0.02) compared to healthy individuals. Severe CKD (stages 4-5 vs 2-3) resulted at higher risk of PD (MH-OR = 2.21, [95% C.I. 1.07, 4.54]; p = 0.03). Heterogeneity and risk of bias were high.

CONCLUSIONS

An association between PD and CKD was found. It could be appropriate to consider PD a frequent CKD comorbidity.

What is the future of Periodontal Medicine?

In the last five decades, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and their interactions with the host. The impact of an individual periodontal condition on systemic homeostasis became more evident because of this knowledge and prompted advances in studies that associate periodontitis with systemic diseases and conditions. The term Periodontal Medicine describes how periodontal infection/inflammation can affect extraoral health. This review presents the current scientific evidence on the most investigated associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, preterm birth and low birth weight, and pneumonia. Additionally, other associations between periodontitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and Alzheimer's disease that were recently published and are still poorly studied were described. Thus, the aim of this review was to answer the following question: What is the future of Periodontal Medicine? Epidemiological evidence and the evidence of biological plausibility between periodontitis and general health reinforce the rationale that the study of Periodontal Medicine should continue to advance, along with improvements in the epidemiological method, highlighting the statistical power of the studies, the method for data analysis, the case definition of periodontitis, and the type of periodontal therapy to be applied in intervention studies.

Periodontitis exacerbates the renal degenerative effects of obesity in rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity and periodontitis are systemic subclinical inflammatory diseases with established negative renal effects. The aim of this animal study was to thoroughly investigate the possible effects of these two diseases on renal structure and function.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (C), obesity (Ob), experimental periodontitis (Ep), and Ob + Ep. The first 16 weeks of the experiment were aimed for the induction of obesity and the last 5 weeks for the induction of periodontitis. Throughout the experimental period, the C and Ep groups were fed standard rat chow, while the Ob groups (Ob and Ob + Ep) were fed high-fat rat chow. Right after the establishment of obesity, periodontal tissue destruction was achieved by placing 3.0 silk sutures in sub-paramarginal position around the cervices of mandibular right-left first molar teeth and preserving them for 5 weeks. On the last day of the 22^nd week, following blood collection, all rats were euthanized, and kidneys and mandibles were collected. Alveolar bone loss was measured on microcomputed tomographic slices. Histopathological evaluations (light microscopy, semi-quantitative analysis of renal corpuscle area, and immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3 activity) were done on right kidneys and biochemical evaluations (malonyl-aldehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH], total oxidant status [TOS], total antioxidant status [TAS], oxidative stress [OSI], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-8, MMP-9, and cathepsin D [CtD] levels) were done on left kidneys. Renal functional status was evaluated with levels of serum creatinine, urea, and cystatin C.

RESULTS

Periodontal bone loss was significantly higher in the Ep and Ob + Ep groups, compared with the C and Ob groups (p < .05). All parameters except TAS and GSH were highest in the Ob + Ep group, and the differences were statistically significant compared with the control group (p < .05). Although the mean TAS and GSH levels were lower in the Ob + Ep group than the other groups, the differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). While the atypical glomeruli score was significantly higher in the Ob + Ep group than in all other groups (p < .05), the acute tubular necrosis and histopathological scores were significantly different only compared with the control group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

This experimental study showed that the negative effects of the co-existence of periodontitis and obesity on inflammatory stress and apoptotic changes in the kidneys together with the functional parameters were significantly more severe, compared with the presence of one of these diseases alone. TNF-α could have a central role in the periodontitis and obesity-related structural and functional renal changes.

Periodontitis Exacerbates and Promotes the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Oral Flora, Cytokines, and Oxidative Stress

Periodontitis is a type of systemic immune inflammation that is caused by the complex infection of a variety of microorganisms in the subgingival plaque and the imbalance of the microbial ecological environment in the mouth. Periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share many risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and age. A growing body of data supports a strong correlation between periodontitis and kidney disease. Evidence supports the role of periodontal inflammation and elevated serum inflammatory mediators in renal atherosclerosis, renal deterioration, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) development. Periodontitis is a risk factor for kidney disease. However, to our knowledge, there are few studies detailing the possible link between periodontitis and CKD. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms underlying periodontitis and CKD. More importantly, it highlights novel and potential pathogenic factors for CKD, including bacteria, pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. However, most research on the relationship between periodontitis and systemic disease has not determined causality, and these diseases are largely linked by bidirectional associations. Future research will focus on exploring these links to contribute to new treatments for CKD.

Periodontal health related-inflammatory and metabolic profiles of patients with end-stage renal disease: potential strategy for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Objectives

To compare the periodontal health related–inflammatory and metabolic differences between patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and healthy controls (HC), and to identify potential biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum of ESRD patients for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM).

Methods

Patients with ESRD (ESRD group; n = 52) and healthy controls (HC group; n = 44) were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. The differential metabolites in the GCF and serum were identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Inflammatory markers including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also assessed.

Results

In the ESRD group, IL-8 and CRP were significantly higher in GCF, whereas IL-6 and CRP were significantly higher in serum, compared with HC group (all P < 0.05). In the case of GCF, taurine levels were positively correlated with IL-8 levels in both groups (all P < 0.05). In the case of serum, l-phenylalanine and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid levels were positively correlated with CRP levels in both groups (all P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed between metabolites (including pseudouridine, l-phenylalanine, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and IL-6 levels only in ESRD group.

Conclusions

IL-8 and CRP are potential inflammatory makers that reflect the periodontal health of ESRD individual, which may be considered the valuable predictive diagnostics in the agreement with PPPM philosophy. Besides, metabolites of taurine in GCF as well as l-phenylalanine and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in serum are possible biomarkers correlated with inflammatory markers. All these biomarkers may also be highly recommended as a novel predictive/diagnostic tool for the assessment of inflammatory status from the perspectives of PPPM in view of susceptible population and individual screening.

Periodontitis aggravates kidney injury by upregulating STAT1 expression in a mouse model of hypertension

Periodontitis is an autoimmune disease of periodontal tissues initiated by plaque. It is known that there is a close connection between periodontitis and CKD with hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. STAT1 has been reported to play a regulatory role in hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we investigated whether STAT1 regulates periodontitis-mediated aggravation of kidney injury with accompanying hypertension. A hypertensive renal injury mouse model was established with Nos3 knockout mice, and a periodontitis model was established by implantation with the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis. The mice were intraperitoneally injected with a STAT1 inhibitor. Periodontitis aggravated kidney injury in hypertensive mice, and upregulation of STAT1 was observed when both periodontitis and hypertension were present; furthermore, STAT1 inhibitor moderated this effect. Moreover, we observed that periodontitis promoted the upregulation of inflammatory and fibrosis gene expression in the kidneys of hypertensive mice. In addition, STAT1 inhibition decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in the kidney lesion area. Periodontitis augmented the expression of inflammatory and fibrosis genes by upregulating the expression of STAT1, thereby aggravating kidney injury in the hypertensive mouse model.

Effect of periodontal treatment on the glomerular filtration rate, reduction of inflammatory markers and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review

Aim

To assess the effect of periodontal treatment (PT) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), systemic inflammation, or mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A literature search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science databases on articles published until December 2019. The PRISMA guidelines were used throughout the manuscript.

Results

Of the total studies found, only 18 met the inclusion criteria; four retrospective and 14 prospective studies (including 3 randomized controlled trials–RCT). After PT, 3 studies investigated GFR, 2 found significant improvement; 11 (including 2 RCTs) investigated C-reactive protein levels, 9 found a significant improvement (including the 2 RCTs); 5 (including 3 RCTs) investigated Interleukine-6 level, 4 found a significant improvement (including 2 RCTs) and 2 studies evaluated mortality, one (retrospective study) found a significant difference.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, PT seems to improve CKD status, especially by reducing the systemic inflammation. Further RCTs are needed to confirm the results and specifically assess the influence of different types of PT in CKD patients. Taking into consideration the ability of PT to prevent further tooth loss and denutrition, early management of periodontitis is extremely important in patients with impaired renal function.

Assessment of oral health status and inflammatory markers in end stage chronic kidney disease patients: A cross-sectional study

Aim:

To assess the oral health status and inflammatory markers in end stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Objectives:

To study and compare oral health status of end stage CKD patients with the control group (matched health individuals) and to study and compare inflammatory biomarkers in study and control groups.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients of end stage CKD and 50 matched healthy individual, who were taken as control in the study. Convenience sampling technique was used. Oral health status was recorded by using WHO proforma (2013). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) were also measured in the both groups. These are inflammatory markers which show systemic inflammation. Statistical analysis was done by using IBM SPSS Statistics-version 21 (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.)

Results:

The study revealed that patients on dialysis going for transplantation have evidence of increased inflammation as indicated by raised CRP values.

Conclusion:

The present study concludes that the oral hygiene of the patients is deteriorated who are having chronic kidney disease. Good oral and dental care in CKD patients can improve the transplant outcomes.

Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a Croatian cross-sectional study

Background

The decision to initiate dialysis treatment via haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) often involves the consideration of complex factors and remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inflammatory burden that periodontitis causes in dialysis patients and to examine whether patients on PD and HD differ in terms of the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), which can be helpful for selecting the most appropriate dialysis modality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. We performed the primary analysis using multivariable robust regression.

Results

Patients on PD had a 746 mm² (93%) lower mean PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 20 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with the PISA (semipartial correlation: − 0.50; p = 0.017; false discovery rate < 5%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the correlation between the duration and type of dialysis was not significant (F (2,44) = 0.01; p = 0.994; η² = 0.00). Differences in the PISA between patients who had undergone dialysis for less than a year, 2–3 years or ≥ 3 years were not significantly different in either of the two dialysis groups.

Conclusions

PISA levels in Croatian patients on dialysis indicate a high need for periodontal treatment. PD is associated with a smaller PISA independent of many sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors. The duration of dialysis does not influence PISA levels.

Trial registration

ISRCTN17887630.

A clinical study to investigate gum infection in patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

Association between severe periodontitis and chronic kidney disease severity in predialytic patients: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and different severities of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in predialytic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Demographic, socioeconomic, and medical data of 139 patients from the nephrology service of one university hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil, were obtained through interview and clinical records. Full-mouth six-sites per tooth periodontal examinations were performed. Associations between periodontitis, stages of CKD, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were estimated by multivariable models adjusted for sex, smoking, vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, and renal treatment duration. CKD was classified based on eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m² ) estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

RESULTS

Patients with severe periodontitis, compared to those without severe periodontitis, had 2.8 (95% CI: 1.25-6.62) and 3.4 (95% CI: 1.27-9.09) times higher risk of being in stages 4 and 5 of CKD, respectively. Having ≥ 2 teeth with clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥6 mm increased 3.9 times the risk of being in stage 5 of CKD. Patients with severe periodontitis and ≥2 teeth with CAL ≥ 6 mm had 4.4 ml/min/1.73² and 5.2 ml/min/1.73² lower eGFR (p-values < .05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Severe periodontitis was associated with poor renal conditions in predialytic CKD patients, strengthening the importance of periodontal evaluation in such patient population.

The Influence of Vasoconstritor Use in Local Anesthesia in Individuals with Chronic Renal Failure

AbstractIndividuals with chronic renal failure (CRD) undergo hemodialysis to compensate for systemic-based disease and often develop systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Such individuals, when needing dental treatment, carry with them the consideration of which type of anesthetic to be used in clinical and surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of anesthetics with vasoconstrictor (AwV) and without vasoconstrictor (AoV) in individuals with chronic renal failure. Research subjects needed dental treatment, with dental restorations, on the right and left lower dental arch in premolars and / or molars, thus receiving the model of a split-mouth clinical study. In a randomized study, each side of the mandible was subjected to an anesthetic infiltration with only one 1.8 mL tube in two different moments with a minimum interval of 7 days (for one moment with AwV and another AoV moment). The parameters of oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured 5 minutes before anesthesia, 5, 15 and 30 minutes after anesthesia. The results found in this study showed statistical difference only in SaO2 in the time of 5 minutes after the anesthesia in comparison of the AwV and AoV group, this same result was obtained when only those individuals who, besides nephropathies, had a diagnosis of SAH, were evaluated. The findings of this study highlight the safety of the use of anesthetics, with or without vasoconstrictors since in small amounts, in individuals with CRF with or without associated SAH.Keywords: Renal Insufficiency. Hypertension. Anesthetics, Local.ResumoIndivíduos com insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) em geral são submetidos à hemodiálise para compensação da doença de base sistêmica e frequentemente desenvolvem a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). Tais indivíduos, ao necessitarem de tratamento odontológico, levam consigo a ponderação de qual tipo de anestésico a ser utilizado em intervenções clínicas e cirúrgicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ação de anestésicos com vasoconstritor (ACV) e sem vasoconstritor (ASV) em indivíduos com insuficiência renal crônica. Os indivíduos da pesquisa tinham necessidade de tratamento odontológico, com restaurações dentárias, no arco dentário inferior direito e esquerdo em pré-molares e/ou molares, recebendo assim o modelo de estudo clínico de boca dividida. De forma aleatória, os hemiarcos inferiores foram submetidos, em dois diferentes momentos com intervalo mínimo de 7 dias, a infiltração anestésica com apenas um tubete de 1,8 mL (para um momento com ACV e outro momento ASV). Foi feita aferição dos parâmetros de saturação de oxigênio (SaO2), frequência cardíaca  (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólicas (PAD), 5 minutos antes da anestesia, 5, 15 e 30 minutos após a anestesia. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo demonstraram diferença estatística apenas na SaO2 no tempo de 5 minutos após a anestesia em comparação do grupo ACV e ASV, esse mesmo resultado foi obtido quando avaliados apenas os indivíduos que, além de nefropatas, apresentavam diagnóstico de HAS. Os achados deste estudo ressaltam a segurança do uso de anestésicos, com ou sem vasoconstritores desde que em pequenas quantidades, em indivíduos com IRC com ou sem HAS associada.Palavras-chave: Insuficiência Renal. Hipertensão. Anestésicos Locais.

Periodontal Disease in Patients Receiving Dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney damage with proteinuria, hematuria, and progressive loss of kidney function. The final stage of CKD is known as end-stage renal disease, which usually indicates that approximately 90% of normal renal function is lost, and necessitates renal replacement therapy for survival. The most widespread renal replacement therapy is dialysis, which includes peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). However, despite the development of novel medical instruments and agents, both dialysis procedures have complications and disadvantages, such as cardiovascular disease due to excessive blood fluid and infections caused by impaired immunity. Periodontal disease is chronic inflammation induced by various pathogens and its frequency and severity in patients undergoing dialysis are higher compared to those in healthy individuals. Therefore, several investigators have paid special attention to the impact of periodontal disease on inflammation-, nutrient-, and bone metabolism-related markers; the immune system; and complications in patients undergoing dialysis. Furthermore, the influence of diabetes on the prevalence and severity of manifestations of periodontal disease, and the properties of saliva in HD patients with periodontitis have been reported. Conversely, there are few reviews discussing periodontal disease in patients with dialysis. In this review, we discuss the available studies and review the pathological roles and clinical significance of periodontal disease in patients receiving PD or HD. In addition, this review underlines the importance of oral health and adequate periodontal treatment to maintain quality of life and prolong survival in these patients.

An update on possible pathogenic mechanisms of periodontal pathogens on renal dysfunction

Periodontitis is a potential source of permanent systemic inflammation that initiates renal dysfunction and contributes to the development of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Although numerous studies have confirmed the bidirectional role of periodontal infection and renal inflammation, no literature has yet highlighted the sophisticated pathogenic mechanisms by which periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphynomonas Gingivalis, induce renal dysfunction and contributed in the development of CKDs. The present review aims to critically analyze and highlight the novel pathogenesis of periodontitis induced CKDs.

Periodontal status and clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify clinical outcomes following kidney transplantation associated with periodontal status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted and included cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies published until August 2018 from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Direct, and CENTRAL. The research was carried out using the following descriptors: "kidney transplantation," "chronic renal failure," "periodontal diseases," "periodontitis," "chronic periodontitis," "gingival hyperplasia," and "gingivitis." The outcomes comprised the clinical transplantation variables. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the studies using Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

The electronic search revealed 1,063 potentially relevant studies. We selected 114 articles for reading the full text. Therefore, six studies met the inclusion criteria: one case-control, three cross-sectional, and two cohort studies. All studies showed low risk of bias. The findings suggest that the periodontal status may be associated with the largest left ventricular mass, greater carotid thickness, graft rejection, lower graft survival, and a higher mortality rate within 60 months among kidney transplant recipients.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this systematic review indicate that there is an association between periodontal status and worsening of graft function and systemic health among kidney transplant recipients.

Number of existing permanent teeth is associated with chronic kidney disease in the elderly Korean population

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the association between the number of existing permanent teeth and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a representative sample of the elderly Korean population.

METHODS

A total of 2,519 subjects who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were cross-sectionally examined. The number of existing permanent teeth was evaluated by clinical oral examination. CKD was defined based on definition and classification by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed controlling for age, gender, income, education, tooth-brushing frequency, periodontitis, state of dentition, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia. Subgroup analyses by age and gender were also performed.

RESULTS

The number of teeth was significantly associated with CKD after controlling for all potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 2.70 for lower number of teeth; AOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.23 for moderate number of teeth). In the subgroup analyses, the association was highlighted in females aged 75 years over (AOR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.05 to 6.20 for lower number of teeth; AOR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.80 for moderate number of teeth).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the number of existing permanent teeth may be associated with CKD among Korean elderly.

Temporality of heparin-induced antibodies: a retrospective study in outpatients undergoing hemodialysis on unfractionated heparin

Background

Heparin-induced antibodies (HIA) are responsible for causing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Research has shown that the temporality of heparin-induced antibodies does not follow the classic immunologic response. The immunobiology of HIA generation remains unclear with varying in vitro and in vivo data. Outpatients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are exposed to heparin chronically. The HIA immune response can therefore be investigated in vivo in this population.

Methods

We examined the time between the start of HD using unfractionated heparin and HIA levels in 212 outpatients during a 6-year period. Antibodies were detected on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HIA levels were analyzed to determine significance of the trend over time. HIA subgroups were also analyzed for correlation with subsequent thrombotic events and platelet count during follow up.

Results

Overall, the HIA response in HD was found to peak early with waning antibody response despite continued exposure to heparin. The peak prevalence of a strong immune response (optical density > 1.000) was early and short lived, while weaker immune response (optical density 0.400–1.000) persisted for the first 6 months then declined. The mean follow-up time per patient was 2.3 ± 1.4 years. Despite circulating HIA, including high titers, no patients developed HIT in this sample. There was no association between HIA and thrombocytopenia. There was increased incidence of thrombosis in patients with strong HIA compared to other groups, but this did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

The data suggest a significant temporal pattern of HIA in outpatients undergoing HD using unfractionated heparin. Positive HIA was not found to be significantly associated with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis risk in these patients. However, while not achieving statistical significance, subsequent thrombotic events occurred most frequently in the strong positive HIA group (optical density > 1.000). Further research into HIA and risk of thrombosis in this population is needed.

The directional and non-directional associations of periodontitis with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

This systematic review aimed to assess the current evidence on the directional and non-directional associations of periodontitis with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Electronic search for observational studies on the association of periodontitis with CKD was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Open GREY and Cochrane library up to June 5, 2017. Two reviewers conducted study selection, data collection and assessment of methodological quality using the original and modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included, which clearly defined periodontitis and CKD or reported acceptable clinical parameters of these 2 diseases in adults. Meta-analysis was employed to estimate the pooled odds ratio on the non-directional association and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for the directional association. Among 2530 potential eligible articles, 47 were finally included. Most of them investigated a non-directional association of periodontitis with CKD, including 7 case-control studies and 38 cross-sectional studies; 24 studies had statistical analysis on the non-directional association and 75% of them reported significant results, which were supported further by the meta-analysis (random: odds ratio = 2.12, P < .001; χ²  = 25.74, I²  = 88.3%). None of the studies focused on the directional association of CKD (as the exposure) with periodontitis (as the outcome), whereas 2 retrospective cohort studies explored a directional association of periodontitis (as the exposure) with CKD (as the outcome) (random: IRR=2.10, P > .05; fixed: IRR=1.76, P < .05; χ²  = 4.65, I²  = 78.3%). Overall, the high heterogeneity of studies limits the significance of these results. There is substantial evidence on the non-directional association of periodontitis with CKD, while there are limited studies on the directional association. Well-designed prospective studies with longer follow-ups in representative communities are needed to clarify the directional association and enhance the quality of the evidence on this topic.

Periodontal disease in patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The authors systematically reviewed the scientific evidence of an association between periodontal disease and Down syndrome (DS).

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

In this systematic review, the authors included observational studies in which the investigators assessed the prevalence, incidence, or experience of periodontal disease in patients with DS compared with that in healthy patients. The authors used the Population, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome structure. The population was patients of any age, the exposure was the presence of DS, the comparison was the absence of DS, and the outcome was the presence of periodontal disease. The authors conducted an electronic search in 5 databases through March 2017. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias by using the Fowkes and Fulton scale. The authors performed a meta-analysis to compare periodontal disease among patients with DS and those without DS. The authors calculated a summary effect measure-standard mean difference-when evaluating the means of the oral hygiene index. The authors assessed the strength of evidence from the selected studies by using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

RESULTS

The authors included 23 case-control studies in the systematic review and submitted 3 to meta-analysis. In the qualitative analysis, results from most studies showed that the prevalence of some periodontal parameters was higher among patients with DS than among those without DS. Evaluations of the Fowkes and Fulton scale point to many methodological problems in the studies evaluated. Results of the meta-analysis revealed no differences between groups with regard to the oral hygiene index (standard mean difference, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, -0.55 to 0.65; I² = 0.0%).

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Further research is required, in particular well-designed studies that avoid the deficiencies identified in the studies in this review.

Oral status, quality of life, and anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients and the effect of the duration of treatment by dialysis on these variables

This study aimed is to evaluate the oral health status, quality of life, anxiety and depression among hemodialysis patients and to analyze the effect of the duration of dialysis on these variables. 120 patients on hemodialysis and 120 control subjects underwent oral examination, periodontal evaluation, xerostomia study using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), sialometry evaluation; quality of life (QOL) using the OHIP-14 questionnaire and anxiety/depression. Bleeding index, CPTIN, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than the control group (p < 0.001). VAS scores were higher in patients on hemodialysis with significant differences in 6 of the 8 domains (p ≤ 0.05). Unstimulated whole saliva was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than control subjects (p < 0.001). OHIP-14 scores showed significantly poorer QOL in patients on hemodialysis than control subjects (p = 0.042). Hemodialysis patients presented greater depression and anxiety than control (p < 0.001). Periodontal health was worse among the patients who had been in treatment >10 years, xerostomia and sialorrea was worse in patients treated for 5-9.9, and >10 years, QOL was worse in patients who had spent <1 year; depression and anxiety was greater among those treated for 1-2.9 years. In conclusion, Oral health, QOL, anxiety and depression are worse in patients on hemodialysis, and oral health deteriorates as the time spent in dialysis lengthens, but patients in treatment for <3 years presented the poorest QOL and the greatest anxiety and depression.

Early tooth loss in end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

This article sets out to evaluate the prevalence and aetiopathogenesis of edentulism in patients on haemodialysis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study group comprised 44 adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis. A control group was formed of 44 individuals matched for age and sex and with a glomerular filtration rate >90 ml min(-1) . All participants underwent intra-oral examination, gathering information on dental and periodontal status, and a saliva sample was taken to determine saliva debit and its biochemical composition.

RESULTS

The average number of missing teeth was higher in ESRD patients than in controls (P = 0.018). Six (13.6%) fully edentulous individuals were detected in the study group and 1 (2.2%) in the control group. Some of the clinical and biochemical variables with statistically significant differences between the study group and the control group showed a significant relationship with the number of missing teeth, but the depth of the periodontal pockets presented the highest coefficient of determination (OR = 3511.1; 95%CI = 82.2-6834.3; P < 0.001; R(2)  = 0.827).

CONCLUSIONS

Premature tooth loss is common in haemodialysis patients. Although the aetiology and pathogenesis of this finding has still not been fully clarified, it appears that severe periodontal disease may play a relevant role.

Significance of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening in patients with periodontal disease

AIM

To characterise and measure the Schneiderian membranes of individuals with periodontal diseases in China and to analyse the factors impacting maxillary sinus mucosal thickness using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cohort of 221 patients with periodontal disease was subjected to cross-sectional CBCT examination. Various parameters, including age, sex, alveolar bone loss, furcation lesions and vertical infrabony pockets, were analysed as correlates of mucosal thickening (MT). Sinus mucosal thickness ≥ 2 mm qualified as MT.

RESULTS

MT was detected in 103 (48.9%) patients, increasing in frequency as the degree of alveolar bone loss advanced (mild, 14.5%; moderate, 29.5%; severe, 87.9%). The association between MT and vertical infrabony pockets was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The likelihood of MT increased with moderate [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02] and severe (OR = 4.62) periodontal bone loss (P < 0.001), as well as with furcation lesions (OR = 2.76) and vertical infrabony pockets (OR = 13.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to the case in patients with periodontitis and normal mucosa, the probability of MT increased dramatically as alveolar bone loss worsened. Periodontal pathologies (i.e. furcation lesions and vertical infrabony pockets) were also more likely to coincide with MT.

Periodontitis: Tip of the iceberg in chronic kidney disease

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is constantly escalating not only in industrialized countries but throughout the world. It is of major significance because of to its high morbidity and mortality. Strategies to tackle this worldwide health problem include identification of its associated risk factors, comorbidities, and complications as well as proper management to handle all the pertinent issues. Periodontal disease, a treatable infectious state of the dental supporting tissues, is common in CKD patients. Its association with CKD is believed to be in a reciprocal or bidirectional fashion and has been massively studied. This paper, therefore, aims to review the recent evidence pertaining to the association between periodontal disease and a variety of renal illnesses. Most of the current evidence was collected from cross-sectional studies and clinical trials. There is substantial evidence indicating that periodontal disease contributes markedly to the chronic systemic inflammatory burden, leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, the principal causes of death among chronic renal disease patients. Furthermore, several studies demonstrated that proper periodontal intervention could help improve systemic inflammation and even nutritional status among CKD patients, resulting in a better quality of life. Suggestions have been made that periodontal disease should be diagnosed early, and managed and controlled to, at least, eradicate a source of inflammation in this population. Awareness of such an important issue should be increased in the relevant medical personnel.

Cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate and periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Accumulating evidence suggests that decreased kidney function characterised by low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) may be associated with periodontitis. Recent studies have suggested that the use of cystatin C strengthens the association between the eGFR and the risks of adverse outcomes in decreased kidney function. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association of cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) and creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcreat), the commonly used method to assess kidney function, with periodontitis in 502 Japanese women (average age, 68.6 years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GFR was estimated from serum cystatin C and serum creatinine, respectively, using the Japanese equation for GFR. Participants were classified into five groups according to their eGFRcys and eGFRcreat values. Poisson regression models with robust error variance assessed the associations of eGFRcys and eGFRcreat with periodontitis. Tests for trends were performed by fitting the five-category eGFR variables in their continuous form to the regression models.

RESULTS

Participants with eGFRcys < 50 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were at significantly higher risk of periodontitis compared with the reference group (≥90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ) (adjusted relative risk = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.12 to 4.02). Additionally, there was a trend towards a higher risk of periodontitis among participants with lower eGFRcys values (p for trend in the multivariable model = 0.008). In contrast, eGFRcreat did not show a significant association with periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study of Japanese older women showed that eGFRcys had a stronger and more linear association with periodontitis than eGFRcreat.

An ignored cause of inflammation in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: periodontal problems

AIM

We aimed to assess whether there is a significant relation between periodontal health status and inflammation in uremic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and also to reveal the efficiency of periodontal treatment in patients with various degrees of periodontal problems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 68 patients undergoing CAPD were included in the study. Clinical indices and measurements were obtained at baseline and panoramic radiographies were used for the diagnosis. According to the baseline values, patients were stratified into four groups according to the severity of periodontal problems as follows: healthy/gingivitis, slight-to-moderate, and severe periodontitis. A control examination was performed 3 months after the periodontal treatment for only 43 patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters before and after treatment were compared.

RESULTS

The frequency of periodontal disease was found to be high in uremic patients on CAPD. The frequency and severity of periodontitis was also found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in patients with high sensitive C-reactive protein levels and longer duration of peritoneal dialysis (p < 0.01). In addition, the periodontitis rate was found to be higher in patients with cardiovascular disease (p < 0.05) and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A meticulous periodontal examination should be a routine part of management of the uremic patients on CAPD because periodontal disease could be one of the hidden sources of unexplained inflammatory status.

The relationship between root concavities in first premolars and chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of first premolar root concavity on clinical indices of chronic periodontal disease and alveolar bone defects.

METHODS

Three-dimensional reconstruction by cone beam computed tomography was used to observe root surface anatomy and the type of alveolar bone defect seen in the mesial and distal sites of 272 first premolars from 99 patients who had presented with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal clinical indicators at each site were measured using a Florida Probe Corporation (Gainesville, FL, USA).

RESULTS

The incidence of mesial and distal root concavities of the maxillary first premolars was 100% and 39.3% respectively, and in the mandibular, the incidence was 42.5% and 31.3% respectively. The distributions of the different types of concavities in terms of both age and gender of the patients were not statistically significant. The mean probing depth and clinical attachment loss of the first premolars with root concavities were significantly higher than those without concavity (p < 0.05). Plaque accumulation was significantly different in the premolars with/without root concavities (p < 0.001). The type of alveolar bone defects with concavities was significantly different from those without concavities (p < 0.05). Ramp shape bone defects were dominant for teeth without concavities, while crater shape was seen for teeth with concavities.

CONCLUSION

Root concavities of the first premolars were associated with periodontal disease, and the type of interproximal alveolar bone defect. Root concavities may be important in contributing to local periodontal disease of the first premolars.

High concentration but low activity of hepatocyte growth factor in periodontitis

BACKGROUND

High levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a healing factor with regenerative and cytoprotective effects, are associated with inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. HGF biologic activity requires binding to its receptors, the proto-oncogene c-Met and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). This study investigates HGF expression and its relationship to subgingival microbiota in medically healthy individuals with and without periodontitis.

METHODS

Saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and blood samples from 30 patients with severe periodontitis and 30 healthy controls were analyzed for HGF concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and binding affinity for HSPG and c-Met using surface plasmon resonance. The regenerative effects of saliva from three patients and controls were analyzed in an in vitro model of cell injury. Subgingival plaques were analyzed for the presence of 18 bacterial species.

RESULTS

Patients with periodontitis showed higher HGF concentrations in saliva, GCF, and serum (P <0.001); however, the binding affinities for HSPG and c-Met were reduced in GCF and saliva (P <0.002). In contrast to the controls, saliva from patients showed no significant regenerative effect over time on gingival epithelial cells. Compared with controls, patients had a higher prevalence of periodontally related bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher circulatory HGF levels indicate a systemic effect of periodontitis. However, the HGF biologic activity at local inflammation sites was reduced, and this effect was associated with the amount of periodontal bacteria. Loss of function of healing factors may be an important mechanism in degenerative processes in periodontally susceptible individuals.