Author:
Schmalz Gerhard,Hennecke Alina,Haak Rainer,Kottmann Tanja,Garbade Jens,Binner Christian,Ziebolz Dirk
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether oral health parameters would be associated with infection-related parameters and overall survival of patients with severe heart failure (HF).
Methods
Patients with severe HF, heart transplantation (HTx) and left-ventricular assist device (LVAD), which underwent a full oral examination between 2017 and 2018 were included. Infection-related and survival data were assessed from the patient´s medical records. The oral examination included: remaining teeth, caries and periodontal condition, including periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and diagnosis (staging/grading). In addition, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was determined. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Fisher´s exact and Mann-Whitney-U test, as well as a logistic regression, considering age, gender, body-mass-index (BMI), diabetes and several oral health parameters with regard to overall survival and infections at heart/driveline.
Results
329 patients (HTx: 34%, LVAD: 38.9%, HF: 27.1%), were included. Patients had on average 18.96 ± 8.90 remaining teeth, whereby the majority had a periodontitis stage III or IV (88.7%) and a grade B (80.5%). Higher BOP was associated with infections at heart/driveline (p = 0.04) and outside the heart (p < 0.01) during follow-up. Increased PISA was significantly associated with bacterial infections outside the heart (p < 0.01) and sepsis (p = 0.02). Only BMI of 25 or higher correlated with an increased risk of infections at heart/driveline in regression analysis (OR 3.063, CI95 1.158–8.101, p = 0.02), while no associations between oral health parameters and infections at heart/driveline or overall survival were confirmed.
Conclusions
In patients with severe HF, periodontal inflammation might be associated with infection-related parameters. Improved dental care, especially including periodontal therapy and maintenance might be favourable to support prevention of infections in patients with severe HF.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine