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

ObjectivesThe 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 MethodsOHRQoL 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. ResultsEighty-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. ConclusionsImprovement 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.