Oral Manifestations in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic renal failure is caused by irreversible damage to the nephrons, in which the body fails to maintain water balance and electrolytes, thereby resulting in the incidence of uremia. Various oral manifestations are associated with renal failure and can have a significant effect on the quality of life in these people. Identification and evaluation of the prevalence of these oral manifestations in patients with renal insufficiency can facilitate the implementation of appropriate interventions targeted toward the elimination of such manifestations in this group of patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of oral manifestations in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 ESRD patients that were under hemodialysis in Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, were evaluated. Oral manifestations were recorded after the examination of the oral cavity. Results: In this study, out of 120 patients, 74 (61.7%) cases were male, and 46 (38.3%) cases were female. The most common underlying causes of renal failure were hypertension (35.8%) and diabetes (24.2%). The most common oral manifestations were dry mouth (66.7%), uremic odor (45.8%), white tongue (37.5%), and petechial/purpura/ecchymosis (35%). Aging was associated with dry mouth. Furthermore, diabetes showed a statistically significant relationship with dry mouth (P=0.04), taste changes (P=0.007), and petechia, purpura and ecchymosis (P=0.022). Conclusion: Renal failure leads to a variety of manifestations in oral cavity. With regard to the various oral manifestations, conditions inherent to the disease, as well as the side effects of their medications and treatments, these patients need careful evaluation, oral care, and special considerations during dental treatment.

Keywords

• end stage renal disease
• oral manifestation
• hemodialysis