Periodontitis case definition affects the association with renal function in kidney transplant recipients

Periodontal disease in chronic kidney disease patients: salivomics by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

It has been reported that 58% of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have moderate to advanced periodontitis due to alterations of pH and biochemical composition in the saliva. In fact, the composition of this important biofluid may be modulated by systemic disorders. Here we investigate the micro-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of saliva that CKD patients submitted to periodontal treatment, aiming to identify spectral biomarkers of kidney disease evolution and the effectiveness of periodontal treatment, proposing possible biomarkers of disease evolution. Saliva from 24 CKD patients-stage-5 men, 29 to 64 years old-was evaluated in (i) patients starting periodontal treatment; (ii) patients 30 days after periodontal treatment; and (iii) patients 90 days after periodontal treatment. Our findings indicated that there are statistically relevant changes among the groups after 30 and 90 days of periodontal treatment, when considering the overall spectra in the fingerprint region (800-1800cm^-1). The key bands presenting good prediction power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.70) were related to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) conjugated to DNA at 883, 1031, and 1060cm^-1 (carbohydrates at 1043 and 1049cm^-1) and triglycerides (1461cm^-1). Interestingly when analyzing the derivative spectra in the secondary structure region (1590-1700cm^-1), we detected over-expression of the β-sheet class of secondary structures in 90 days of periodontal treatment, possibly related to over-expression of human B-defensins. Conformational changes in ribose sugar in this region corroborate the interpretation concerning PARP detection. To our knowledge, PARP was detected for the first time in saliva samples of stage-5 CKD patients by FTIR. All observed changes were correctly interpreted in terms of intensive apoptosis and dyslipidemia due to kidney disease progression. Biomarkers due to CKD predominate in saliva, and the relative improvement in the periodontal state did not cause remarkable changes in the spectra of saliva.

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.

Interconnectedness between periodontitis stage, oral hygiene habits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutritional status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), nutritional status parameters, muscle strength, and periodontal status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). 89 KTRs were included in this analysis, 40 (45%) women, with a mean age of 61 years (IQR = 13) and a mean time since kidney transplantation of 5 years (IQR = 6.6). An OHIP-14 questionnaire and questionnaire-based periodontal history were obtained from all participants, a comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Body composition data, anthropometric and clinical parameters were collected for each study participant. The Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess MeDi adherence, and handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Our results showed low adherence to MeDi in KTRs (28%) and almost 50% of KTRs suffer from severe forms of periodontitis. We also found a low OHIP-14 score and poor oral hygiene habits. KTRs with a less severe form of periodontitis had higher muscle mass and handgrip strength. MDSS score was associated with a higher number of teeth, and everyday cereal intake was inversely associated with the periodontitis stage. Our results demonstrate the associations between nutritional status, muscle strength, dietary habits, and periodontal health in Dalmatian KTRs.

The effect of periodontitis on recipient outcomes after kidney transplantation

Background: Recent several reports have demonstrated that periodontitis is prevalent and adversely affects the survival in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease. However, its impact on transplant outcomes remains uncertain.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 136 and 167 patients, respectively, who underwent living donor kidney transplantation (KT) at Seoul National University Hospital from July 2012 to August 2016 and Korea University Hospital from April 2008 to October 2018. We divided patients into three groups according to stages of periodontitis based on a new classification system. Results: Patients with severe periodontitis were older, had a higher prevalence of diabetes, a higher body mass index and C-reactive protein level, a lower cardiac output, and were more likely to be smokers, indicating its association with chronic systemic inflammation. After KT, stage IV periodontitis was independently associated with a lower incidence of acute T cell-mediated rejection, suggesting the possible effect of periodontitis on immune function. However, 1-year and 3-year estimated glomerular filtration rates were not different. Among the KT recipients followed up more than 3 years, new-onset cardiovascular disease occurred in nine patients, and coronary artery disease occurred more frequently in patients with stage IV periodontitis. However, diabetes was the independent predictor of new-onset coronary artery disease in multivariate logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: Our findings showed that periodontitis might be an important player in determining posttransplant outcomes in recipients. Further interventional trials to test whether treating periodontitis could modify transplant outcome are needed.

The relationship between periodontal status and hyperglycemia after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Several factors have been associated with hyperglycemia after kidney transplantation (KTx), including systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between periodontal status and hyperglycemia in KTx patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four KTx patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Periodontitis severity was categorized into stage I to IV. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured, and hyperglycemia was analyzed at different FBG cutoff points (100 mg/dL, 110 mg/dL, 120 mg/dL, 126 mg/dL, 140 mg/dL). Age, history of smoking, prior type 2 diabetes (T2D), and prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) were considered cofounders. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was performed with periodontitis as the exposure and hyperglycemia as the outcome. Pathway analysis was performed with FBG as a continuous outcome.

RESULTS

Periodontitis had increased odds of hyperglycemia from 120 mg/dL FBG cutoff, even after adjustment. In addition, periodontitis severity was positively associated with FBG level (β = 0.323, SE = 0.127, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that periodontitis may be related to increase of hyperglycemia and FBG levels in KTx patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Periodontitis severity and cardiovascular disease were positively associated with FBG levels in KTx patients. Clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential benefit of periodontal care for better glycemic control management.

Periodontal Treatment Needs of Hemodialized Patients

End-stage renal failure is the reason for complications in many systems and organs, and the applied pharmacotherapy often causes the deepening of already existing pathologies within the oral cavity, such as: caries, periodontal diseases, mucosal lesions or reduced saliva secretion. Reduced saliva secretion results in an increased accumulation of dental plaque, its mineralization and prolonged retention, which leads to the development of gingival and periodontal inflammation. There is some evidence that chronic kidney diseases are influenced by periodontal health. The aim of the work was to evaluate the dental needs by the usage of clinical assessment of periodontal tissues of patients suffering from end-stage chronic kidney disease, arterial hypertension or/and diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

228 patients underwent the research. 180 patients were hemodialized in Diaverum dialysis stations (42 of them were diagnosed with end stage chronic disease, 79 with the end stage chronic disease and arterial hypertension, 16 with end stage chronic kidney disease and diabetes, 43 with end-stage chronic disease, arterial hypertension and diabetes) and 48 patients of the Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics Clinic of Academic Centre of Dentistry of Silesian Medical University in Bytom and patients of the dentistry division of Arnika Clinic in Zabrze not diagnosed with any of the aforementioned diseases. The scheme of the research comprised 2 parts: analysis of the general health and assessment of the periodontal status which contain the following indices: Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Lost (CAL), Bleeding Index or Bleeding on Probing Index (BI or BOP), Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN).

RESULTS

Significantly lower percentage of patients with healthy periodontal tissues and higher percentage with periodontal pockets deeper than 3.5 mm and the loss of trainers connective of 5 mm or higher were in the examined group. The values of the bleeding index were significantly lower in control group. The analysis of the CPITN index indicates higher percentage of patients qualified as CPI 1 or 2 in the control group while in the examined one most of the patients turned out to require specialist periodontal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

there is a direct relationship between periodontal status and end-stage renal disease which typically includes other chronical civilization ailments. It is important to develop a scheme for the easy and rapid examination of periodontal status, to determine the treatment needs in this area, which will allow precise assignment of long-term dialyzed patients to the range of prophylactic and therapeutic procedures.

Oxidative stress links periodontal inflammation and renal function

Aims

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also susceptible to periodontitis. The causal link between periodontitis and CKD may be mediated via systemic inflammation/oxidative stress. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), this cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the causal relationship between periodontal inflammation (PI) and renal function.

Materials and methods

Baseline data on 770 patients with stage 3–5 (pre‐dialysis) CKD from an ongoing cohort study were used. Detailed, bioclinical data on PI and renal function, as well as potential confounders and mediators of the relationship between the two, were collected. SEMs of increasing complexity were created to test the causal assumption that PI affects renal function and vice versa.

Results

Structural equation modelling confirmed the assumption that PI and renal function are causally linked, mediated by systemic oxidative stress. The magnitude of this effect was such that a 10% increase in PI resulted in a 3.0% decrease in renal function and a 10% decrease in renal function resulted in a 25% increase in PI.

Conclusions

Periodontal inflammation represents an occult source of oxidative stress in patients with CKD. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm whether periodontal therapy, as a non‐pharmacological approach to reducing systemic inflammatory/oxidative stress burden, can improve outcomes in CKD.

Poor oral health status and short-term outcome of kidney transplantation

AIMS

This study aims to know whether poor oral health increases the risk of acute rejection and hospitalization in kidney allograft recipients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a prospective cohort study. The same dentist followed participants for 2 months after renal transplant for monitoring oral health (clinical evaluation, DTMF index, and CPITN index), signs of graft rejection, infection, and hospitalization. We compiled rates and reasons for hospital readmission or extended hospital stay. The CPITN had a mean score of 0.38 ± 0.71, increasing to 0.90 ± 0.84, 60 days after transplant (P < .001). No one rejected the graft in the period of study. Patients with older age (P = .009; OR: 1.07; CI 95% 1.01-1.12) were at higher risk of hospitalization at each year of age and patients presenting pretransplant dental focus (P = .001; OR: 7.23; CI 95% 2.13-24.56) had 7.23 times more chance to be hospitalized in the first 2 months after the transplant. One participant was hospitalized due to acute foci of dental infection.

CONCLUSION

There was an association between dental focus and hospital readmission/stay. However, our methods do not provide conclusive proof of causality. Hospitalization due to acute dental infection was rare.

Distribution of plasma oxidised phosphatidylcholines in chronic kidney disease and periodontitis as a co-morbidity

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis as a co-morbidity have a higher mortality rate than individuals with CKD and no periodontitis. The inflammatory burden associated with both diseases contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We previously demonstrated that periodontitis is associated with increasing circulating markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We propose that inflammatory oxidised phosphocholines may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD. However, the analysis of oxidised phospholipids has been limited by a lack of authentic standards for absolute quantification. Here, we have developed a comprehensive quantification liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based multiple reaction monitoring method for oxidised phospholipids (including some without available authentic species) that enables us to simultaneously measure twelve oxidised phosphatidylcholine species with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. The standard curves for commercial standards 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (PGPC); 1-palmitoyl-2-(9'-oxo-nonanoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (PONPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-azelaoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (PAzPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-(5'-oxo-valeroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POVPC), were linear with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99 for all analytes. The method is reproducible, with intra- and inter-day precision <15%, and accuracy within ±5% of nominal values for all analytes. This method has been successfully applied to investigate oxidised phosphatidylcholine in plasma from CKD patients with and without chronic periodontitis and the data that was obtained has been compared to plasma from healthy controls. Comparative analysis demonstrates altered chain fragmented phosphatidylcholine profiles in the plasma samples of patients with CKD and periodontitis as a co-morbidity compared to healthy controls.

Periodontitis as the risk factor of chronic kidney disease: Mediation analysis

AIM

To determine sequences and magnitude of causality among periodontitis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) by mediation analysis.

METHODS

Ten-year-data were retrieved from the Electric Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study. A cohort of 2,635 subjects was identified with no CKD at baseline. The interested outcome was CKD incidence defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m² . The percentage of proximal sites with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm was used to represent periodontitis. Mediation analysis with 1,000-replication bootstrapping was applied to two causal diagrams, diagram A (Periodontitis → Diabetes → CKD) and diagram B (Diabetes → Periodontitis → CKD).

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of CKD was 10.3 cases per 100 persons during 10-year period. In diagram A, each increasing percentage of proximal sites with severe periodontitis increased the adjusted odds ratio of CKD 1.010 (95% CI: 1.005, 1.015) and 1.007 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.013), by direct and indirect effect through diabetes, respectively. In diagram B, diabetes increased the odds of CKD twofold, with 6.5% of this effect mediated via periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis had significant direct effect, and indirect effect through diabetes, on the incidence of CKD. Awareness about systemic morbidities from periodontitis should be emphasized.

Pathological Characteristics of Periodontal Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as an irreversible reduction of functional nephrons and leads to an increased risk of various pathological conditions, including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders, such as coronary artery calcification, hypertension, and stroke. In addition, CKD patients have impaired immunity against bacteria and viruses. Conversely, kidney transplantation (KT) is performed for patients with end-stage renal disease as a renal replacement therapy. Although kidney function is almost normalized by KT, immunosuppressive therapy is essential to maintain kidney allograft function and to prevent rejection. However, these patients are more susceptible to infection due to the immunosuppressive therapy required to maintain kidney allograft function. Thus, both CKD and KT present disadvantages in terms of suppression of immune function. Periodontal disease is defined as a chronic infection and inflammation of oral and periodontal tissues. Periodontal disease is characterized by the destruction of connective tissues of the periodontium and alveolar bone, which may lead to not only local symptoms but also systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and several types of cancer. In addition, the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease are significantly associated with mortality. Many researchers pay special attention to the pathological roles and clinical impact of periodontal disease in patients with CKD or KT. In this review, we provide information regarding important modulators of periodontal disease to better understand the relationship between periodontal disease and CKD and/or KT. Furthermore; we evaluate the impact of periodontal disease on various pathological conditions in patients with CKD and KT. Moreover, pathogens of periodontal disease common to CKD and KT are also discussed. Finally, we examine the importance of periodontal care in these patients. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathological roles and clinical significance of periodontal disease in patients with CKD and KT.

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.

Caracterização da saúde bucal de indivíduos renais crônicos aptos a transplante

ResumoIntroduçãoA doença renal crônica leva a alterações salivares que interferem na saúde bucal. A imunossupressão no pós-transplante pode facilitar que situações restritas à boca se tornem sistêmicas.ObjetivoCaracterizar a saúde bucal de pacientes renais crônicos aptos a transplante, avaliando fluxo e pH salivar, capacidade tamponante salivar (CTS), lesões estomatológicas, sangramento gengival, cálculo e índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD).Material e métodoEstudo transversal, observacional e analítico. Foi coletada saliva não estimulada de 83 voluntários, com hipofluxo salivar caracterizado como < 0,3 mL/min. O pH salivar foi mensurado por fita e considerado alcalino quando > 7. A CTS foi avaliada pela Técnica de Ericsson. Um único examinador calibrado procedeu às avaliações clínicas. Foram utilizados Teste Exato de Fisher, ANOVA e Regressão Linear, com nível de significância de 0,05 e Intervalo de Confiança de 95%.ResultadoHipofluxo salivar esteve presente em 61% da amostra e foi influenciado pelo ganho hídrico interdialítico (p=0,01). A presença de pH salivar alcalino foi influenciada pela ureia sérica (p<0,01) e pela hiperfosfatemia (p=0,01). A CTS foi ótima em 92% e sofreu influência do pH salivar (p=0,02). Três indivíduos apresentaram lesões estomatológicas infecciosas. Sangramento gengival esteve presente em 55%, cálculo em 94% e cárie em 88%. O índice CPOD da amostra foi 17,9 ± 7,48.ConclusãoA saúde bucal dos voluntários foi considerada precária e esse agravo pode se tornar mais maléfico se esses indivíduos forem transplantados. Salienta-se a importância da inserção do Dentista na equipe que assiste o renal crônico.

Chronic Periodontitis Is Associated With Spinal Dysmobility in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

BACKGROUND

Although microbes have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), several studies present contradictory results regarding the association between AS and chronic periodontitis (CP).

METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, and medication data were collected from 84 patients with AS and 84 age- and sex-matched controls. Periodontal measurements, including probing depths (PDs), clinical attachment loss (AL), serum anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis titers, and the detection of P. gingivalis DNA in gingival crevicular fluid, were recorded. All participants with periodontitis with PD ≥4 to <7 mm received scaling and root planing and were re-evaluated at 12 weeks; those still exhibiting periodontitis with PD of ≥4 to <7 mm at 12 weeks were followed at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate-to-severe CP was not different between patients with AS and controls (70.2% versus 66.6%). The P. gingivalis detection rate was not different between patients with AS and controls or between patients with AS receiving and not receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents. However, CP was positively associated with impaired spinal mobility of patients with AS in multivariate analyses. After periodontal treatment, PD and AL levels were improved in both groups, but the change was significantly greater in patients with AS than in controls. Patients with AS receiving anti-TNF-α agents exhibited a greater improvement in PD and AL than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AS was not associated with the presence of CP, CP was associated positively with the severity of spinal dysmobility in Korean patients with AS. These results suggest that periodontitis can have a negative effect on axial movement in AS.

Antibiotics in dental practice: how justified are we

Antibiotics are prescribed by dentists in dental practice, during dental treatment as well as for prevention of infection. Indications for the use of systemic antibiotics in dentistry are limited because most dental and periodontal diseases are best managed by operative intervention and oral hygiene measures. The use of antibiotics in dental practice is characterised by empirical prescription based on clinical and bacteriological epidemiological factors, resulting in the use of a very narrow range of broad-spectrum antibiotics for short periods of time. This has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a wide range of microbes and to the consequent inefficacy of commonly used antibiotics. Dentists can make a difference by the judicious use of antimicrobials--prescribing the correct drug, at the standard dosage and appropriate regimen--only when systemic spread of infection is evident. The increasing resistance problems of recent years are probably related to the over- or misuse of broad-spectrum agents. There is a clear need for the development of prescribing guidelines and educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate use of drugs in dentistry. This paper highlights the need for dentists to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in an attempt to curb the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance and other side effects of antibiotic abuse. The literature provides evidence of inadequate prescribing practices by dentists for a number of factors, ranging from inadequate knowledge to social factors.

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.

Does oral health contribute to post-transplant complications in kidney allograft recipients?

OBJECTIVE

The significant number of complications in kidney graft recipients can not be easily explained. The paper assesses whether poor oral health increases the risk of acute rejections and hospitalizations in kidney allograft recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-one kidney transplant recipients were divided into three sub-groups according to post-transplant time (< 1, 1-5 and > 5 years). Dental examination evaluated oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), which were correlated with the occurrence of post-transplant complications.

RESULTS

Within the first year after transplantation the indicators of the increased risk of hospitalizations and acute rejection episodes was the OHI-S (hazard ratio 1.02 and 1.11, respectively), also CPITN score correlated with acute rejections (R = 0.82, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The neglect in oral health is associated with the increased risk of clinical complications within first year after kidney transplantation.

Indications of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental practice- review

Antibiotics are frequently used in dental practice. Clinical and bacteriological epidemiological factors determine the indications of antibiotics in dentistry. Antibiotics are used in addition to appropriate treatment to aid the host defences in the elimination of remaining bacteria. It is indicated when there is evidence of clinical sign involvement and spread of infection. Antibiotics are prescribed in dental practice for treating odontoge nic infections, non-odontogenic infections, as prophylaxis against focal and local infection. Special care needs to be addressed to patients with organ transplants, poorly controlled diabetes and pregnancy. Antibiotics should be used only as an adjunct to dental treatment and never alone as the first line of care. The present paper reviews the indications of antibiotics in dental practice.

Periodontitis associated with chronic kidney disease among Mexican Americans

OBJECTIVE

In comparison to non-Hispanic whites, a number of health-care disparities, including poor oral health, have been identified among Hispanics in general and Mexican Americans in particular. We hypothesized that Mexican Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) would have higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis compared with Mexican Americans with normal kidney function, and that the level of kidney function would be inversely related to the prevalence of periodontal disease.

METHODS

We examined this hypothesis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994 (NHANES III) data set. We followed the American Academy of Periodontology/Center for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for periodontitis. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the CKD-Epidemiology equation for Hispanic populations. The classification to CKD stages was based on the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative.

RESULTS

Periodontitis prevalence increased across the kidney function groups showing a statistically significant dose-response association (P<0.001). Mexican Americans with reduced kidney function were twofold more likely to have periodontitis compared with Mexican Americans with normal kidney function after adjusting for potential confounders such as smoking, diabetes, and socioeconomic status. Multivariate adjusted odds ratio for periodontitis significantly increased with 1, 5, and 10 mL/minute estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction from the mean.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report, to the best our knowledge, that showed an increase of periodontitis prevalence with decreased kidney function in this population.

Orofacial diseases in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

Solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at risk of several diseases, principally attributable to immunosuppression. This global overview of SOT/HSCT-associated orofacial diseases is aimed at providing a practical instrument for the oral healthcare management of SOT/HSCT recipients.

METHODS

Literature search was made through MEDLINE. The associations between orofacial diseases and SOT/HSCT were assessed using observational studies and case series and were classified into 'association', 'no association', and 'unclear association'.

RESULTS

Lip/oral cancers, drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), infections, including hairy leukoplakia and, less frequently, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) and oral lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), were associated with SOT. Lip/oral cancers, GVHD, mucositis, DIGO, infections and, less frequently, PTLDs were associated with HSCT. Associations of orofacial granulomatosis-like lesions and oral mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphoma with SOT, and of pyogenic granuloma and hairy leukoplakia with HSCT were unclear. Periodontal disease and dental caries were not associated with SOT/HSCT. For none of the local treatments was there a strong evidence of effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Solid organ transplant/HSCT recipients are at risk of orofacial diseases. Adequate management of these patients alleviates local symptoms responsible for impaired eating, helps prevent systemic and lethal complications, and helps where dental healthcare has been neglected.

Disparities in periodontitis prevalence among chronic kidney disease patients

Because of adverse effects of uremia in the innate and adaptive immune systems, we hypothesized that chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients would have higher prevalence of moderate periodontitis compared with individuals without CKD. We examined this hypothesis using the NHANES III dataset, including 12,081 adults stratified by Race-Ethnicity. We followed the American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition for moderate periodontitis. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated based on calibrated serum creatinine levels according to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study formula. Analyses incorporated NHANES sampling weights. Overall, 14.6% of individuals with CKD were classified as having moderate periodontitis, compared with 8.7% in the non-CKD group (p = 0.001). A significant dose-response association (p = 0.001) was observed between prevalence of moderate periodontitis and CKD stages among non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican-Americans, but not so for non-Hispanic Whites. Prevalence of periodontitis among participants with CKD was substantially higher among non-Hispanic Blacks (38.9%) and Mexican-Americans (37.3%) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (12.9%). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that Mexican-Americans and non-Hispanic Blacks with CKD were approximately 30% to 60% more likely to have moderate periodontitis compared with those without CKD, after adjustment for diabetes status and other potential confounders.

Periodontal disease as a risk marker in coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

More than half a million Americans die each year from coronary heart disease (CHD), 26 million suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a large proportion have periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the tissues surrounding teeth. Chronic inflammation contributes to CHD and CKD occurrence and progression, and periodontal disease contributes to the cumulated chronic systemic inflammatory burden. This review examines recent evidence regarding the role of periodontal disease in CHD and CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Periodontal pathogens cause both local infection and bacteremia, eliciting local and systemic inflammatory responses. Periodontal disease is associated with the systemic inflammatory reactant C-reactive protein (CRP), a major risk factor for both CHD and CKD. Nonsurgical periodontal disease treatment is shown to improve periodontal health, endothelial function, levels of CRP, and other inflammatory markers. Evidence for the association of periodontal disease with CKD consists of a small body of literature represented mainly by cross-sectional studies. No definitive randomized controlled trials exist with either CHD or CKD as primary endpoints.

SUMMARY

Recent evidence links periodontal disease with CHD and CKD. Adding oral health self-care and referral for professional periodontal assessment and therapy to the repertoire of medical care recommendations is prudent to improve patients' oral health and possibly reduce CHD and CKD risk.