Oral health related quality of life depending on oral health and specific factors in patients after lung transplantation

Introduction: Patients after lung transplantation (LuTx) were found to present oral health deficiencies. The investigation of potentially underlying or influencing factors appears to be of clinical relevance.

Objectives: Aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a group of patients after LuTx and compare this to a healthy control group (HC). Furthermore, the influence of dental and periodontal condition, as well as specific factors like immunosuppression, time after LuTx and causal underlying disease should be investigated.

Methods: The OHRQoL was assessed using the German short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP G14). Dental examination included the decayed (D-), missing (M-), and filled (F-) teeth index (DMF-T). Periodontal condition was classified based on clinical attachment loss and/or pocket depth as no/mild or moderate/severe periodontitis.

Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney-U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test (P < .05).

Results: A total of 60 patients after LuTx and 70 HC were included. The DMF-T, D-T, and M-T as well as periodontal disease severity was significantly higher in LuTx group (P < .01). The OHIP G14 differed neither clinically relevant, nor statistically significant (LuTx: 1.70 ± 2.70, HC: 1.54 ± 2.86, P = .15). While in HC the DMF-T, M-T, and periodontal condition had an influence on OHIP G14 values (P < .05), in LuTx no influence was detected for dental and periodontal condition as well as specific factors investigated.

Conclusions: The oral health perception of LuTx patients does not reflect the apparent oral health deficiencies. Consequently, sensitization and motivation for an increased dental behavior is needed.