Does oral health contribute to post-transplant complications in kidney allograft recipients?

Abstract

Objective. The significant number of complications in kidney graft recipients can not be easily explained. The paper assesses whether poor oral health increases the risk of acute rejections and hospitalizations in kidney allograft recipients. Materials and methods. Ninety-one kidney transplant recipients were divided into three sub-groups according to post-transplant time (< 1, 1–5 and > 5 years). Dental examination evaluated oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), which were correlated with the occurrence of post-transplant complications. Results. Within the first year after transplantation the indicators of the increased risk of hospitalizations and acute rejection episodes was the OHI-S (hazard ratio 1.02 and 1.11, respectively), also CPITN score correlated with acute rejections (R = 0.82, p < 0.01). Conclusion. The neglect in oral health is associated with the increased risk of clinical complications within first year after kidney transplantation.

Key Words::

• acute rejection
• hospitalization
• kidney transplantation
• oral health indices

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.