Survey of Torus Palatinus in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Introduction. This study attempted to survey the oral findings of hemodialysis patients and analyze the prevalence and predictors for torus palatinus (TP) in this patient population. Methods. A total of 322 hemodialysis patients were recruited. Patients were organized into two groups, based on the presence (n=93) or absence (n=229) of TP. Demographic, laboratory, and dialysis-related data were obtained for analysis. Results. The prevalence of TP was 28.9% in this study. Patients with TP were younger in age [57.8 +/- 10.0 (37.4-86.9) versus 62.4 +/- 12.3 (25.0-87.8) years old; P=0.001] and predominantly female (60.2% versus 38.0%; P<0.001), compared to patients without TP. All TPs (100.0%) were symmetrical and located along the midpalatal suture. Most TPs were flat-shaped (55.9%) and near premolars (78.5%). The blood tests revealed higher blood concentrations of phosphate (5.4 +/- 1.1 versus 4.9 +/- 1.1 mg/dL; P=0.001) and lower blood concentrations of bicarbonate (20.9 +/- 2.4 versus 22.0 +/- 2.3 mmol/L; P<0.001) in patients with TP. Multivariate regression modeling showed that younger age [odds ratio (OR) 0.968; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.939-0.982; P<0.001], female gender (OR 2.305; 95% CI 1.374-3.867; P=0.002), higher blood concentration of phosphate (OR 1.411; 95% CI 1.110-1.794; P=0.005), and lower blood concentration of bicarbonate (OR 0.868; 95% CI 0.791-0.994; P=0.040) were significant predictors for TP. Conclusion. The prevalence of TP is 28.9%, and the majority of patients suffering TP are female. Younger age, female gender, elevated blood concentration of phosphate, and lower blood concentration of bicarbonate are predictors for TP.