Oral health-related quality of life in patients on chronic haemodialysis and after kidney transplantation

Oral Dis. 2016 Oct;22(7):665-72. doi: 10.1111/odi.12519. Epub 2016 Jul 11.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) depending on dental and periodontal situation in patients on haemodialysis (HD) and after kidney transplantation (KTx) compared to healthy controls (HC).

Subjects and methods: OHRQoL was assessed using the German short form of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP G14). Dental health was estimated using the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMF-T). Periodontal health was classified as healthy/mild or moderate/severe periodontitis.

Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test and Fisher's test.

Results: Eighty-seven HD patients, 39 KTx patients and 91 HC were included. Significant differences in DMF-T, D-T, M-T and F-T scores were identified between groups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis was significantly higher in the HD and KTx group compared to HC (P = 0.002). Differences in OHIP G14 between groups were neither clinical relevant nor statistically significant (P = 0.199). A significant effect of DMF-T (P = 0.012), M-T (P < 0.001) and periodontitis (P = 0.023) on the OHIP G14 scores was identified only in HC.

Conclusions: Improvement in dental care of HD and KTx patients is required. OHIP G14 values provide a subjectively considered low importance of oral health in HD and KTx patients, leading to need of motivation and sensitisation of these patients.

Keywords: dental care; haemodialysis; kidney transplantation; oral health; oral related quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Health*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Quality of Life*
  • Renal Dialysis*