Abstract
Introduction: Poor oral health and periodontitis is an important problem in chronic kidney
disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) awaiting kidney transplantation. This could
contribute to increased morbidity and mortality as a result of infections and consequences of
inflammation.
Objectives: To study the oral health status and assess its impact in inducing inflammation in
CKD patients on HD.
Patients and Methods: Fifty CKD patients on HD (group I) were compared with 50 healthy
controls (group-II) in a prospective cohort study. Oral health assessment was done with
the WHO oral health assessment form with a mouth mirror and a community periodontal
index (CPI) probe by a trained dentist. The demographic clinical data of oral health and
periodontitis was collected in dialysis patients and healthy controls. CRP levels were assayed
as markers of inflammation.
Results: Data shows that patients on dialysis have evidence of increased inflammation as
indicated by raised CRP values. Our study shows the poor oral and mouth hygiene and
periodontitis and inflammation was much more in dialysis patients as compared to control
group (P<0.05). Amongst dialysis patients with higher inflammation (CRP values), there was
poorer oral health and more periodontitis (P<0.05). This indicates that higher inflammation
could result from poor dental hygiene and periodontitis.
Conclusion: Poor oral and mouth hygiene was associated with inflammation as indicated
by high CRP values in CKD patients on dialysis with poor dental hygiene. Periodontitis was
significantly associated with development of inflammation.