The prevalence and risk factors of oral soft tissue lesions in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation is considered to be the best treatment for end-stage renal disease patient, and widely accepted it improves quality and length of life. However, the kidney transplant recipient has to receive long-term immunosuppressive therapy in order to prevent kidney transplant rejection, causing the immune function system declined. Oral and dental problems also increase in these patients, which mostly develop as a result of side effects and drug interaction. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of oral soft tissue lesions in kidney transplant recipients. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in April to October 2019. Sixty-five kidney transplant recipients and 65 dialysis patients were examined for oral soft tissue lesion, oral hygiene and gingival enlargement. Difference on prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions between groups was tested by Chi-square. For the risk factors, categorical data was presented in frequencies and percentages. Continuous data was presented in means and standard deviations. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to assess association between plaque index and different variables. Results: Oral lesions were found in 7 (10.8%) kidney transplant recipients and 6 (9.2%) dialysis patients. Though plaque index in kidney transplant recipients was not significantly different from dialysis group, linear regression model revealed that plaque index was increasing by age (regression coefficient (95% confidence interval) = 0.009 (0.001-0.016); p-value=0.025). Conclusions: Prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions in both groups were not statistically significant different and prevalence in kidney transplant recipients was lower than most of previous studies. Regular dental examination is necessary for early detection, which allows consulting in medications adjustment and stops or relieves progression of oral lesion.