Assessment of oral health status in patients undergoing hemodialysis at a tertiary healthcare facility in Kakinada city: A cross-sectional study
Nadakudity S S Prathyusha, Hidayathulla Shaikh, Pithani Glory Srilekha, SalmanABSTRACT
Background:
Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk of oral health deterioration due to systemic disease and treatment-related factors. This study assessed dental caries and periodontal conditions among HD patients in Kakinada city using the Modified World Health Organization Oral Health Assessment Form (2013).
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2024 at Trust Multispecialty Hospital, Kakinada city, Andhra Pradesh. All 171 adult HD patients were enrolled through the census method after informed consent and ethical clearance. Oral examinations were performed using the American Dental Association Type III protocol. Data on Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, periodontal parameters (bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL)), dental trauma, and erosion were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) were computed, and associations were tested using Chi-squared analysis;
Results:
Of 171 patients (53.8% males), chronic kidney disease (CKD) was most prevalent (54.9%), followed by diabetic nephropathy (29.3%). Hypertension (93.5%) and diabetes mellitus (45%) were common comorbidities. Patients with CKD and small kidneys had the highest mean DMFT score (10.8 ± 1.3), significantly greater than diabetic nephropathy patients (8.42 ± 5.2;
Conclusions:
HD patients demonstrated significant oral health deterioration, with higher caries burden and periodontal disease prevalence in CKD patients. Significant differences were observed across renal conditions, underscoring the need for integrated dental care and routine oral health screening in renal replacement therapy programs.