Technologies et recherche en matière de transplantation

Oral Health Status of Cirrhotic Patients in List of Liver Transplantation and of Viral Hepatitis Carriers

Abstract

Liliane Lins and Antônio Fernando Pereira Falcao

Introduction: Infections are frequent causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation and a major cause of decomposition in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation. Cirrhotic patients with poor oral health status may present increased susceptibility to systemic infections in the pre and/or post-operative liver transplantation period.

Objective: To compare oral health status of liver transplantation patients with chronic viral hepatitis carriers.

Methods: This prospective, concurrent study included 66 patients, 45 males (68.2%), observed from January, 2010 to December, 2011. Out of these 66 patients, 18 (27%) were waiting for liver transplantation and 48 (73%) were non-cirrhotic hepatitis patients: 16 (24%) were Hepatitis C Virus carriers, 17 (26%) Hepatitis B Virus carriers and 15 (23%) non-HCV and non-HBV hepatitis. All patients were evaluated at the Stomatology Service from Federal University of Bahia. Oral health status evaluation was performed according to WHO Standards.

Results: Forty-seven patients (71.2%) experienced reduced salivary flow. Patients in the liver transplantation group had more gingivitis (p=0.04), periodontitis (p=0.04) and a slightly higher DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) mean (19.11) when compared with those with less severe liver disease. However, when comparing the liver transplantation group with non-cirrhotic HCV carriers, there was no statistical significance.

Conclusion: Liver transplantation patients have poorer oral health than patients with less severe hepatitis. Hepatitis C carriers also present severe periodontal disease, requiring stomatological preventive and curative intervention.