Oral Findings in Chronic Kidney Disease In Nephrology Department Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta

Abstract

Background: The importance of oral health care in the management of patients with systemic diseases including chronic kidney
disease (CKD) has been affirmed. Many CKD patients have related oral lesions, however, attention to oral health care has been
lacking, especially in the developing countries with higher burden of renal diseases.

Objective: Current study was performed to evaluate the oral manifestations in patients with CKD on dialysis in Nephrology
Department Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta, Pakistan.

Material and Methods: Fifty patients with CKD were recruited, interviewed and examined. Oral mucosa assessment was based
on the WHO Guide to Epidemiology and diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Diseases.
Results: Out of fifty patients, 32 were males and 18 were females. Mean age was 50.4.The most common oral findings in the CKD
patients in this study were geographic tongue (80%) candidiasis (72%) dry mouth and abnormal taste (70%), dental caries (68%)
and bleeding gum (54%). CKD patients showed significantly more oral changes these changes could be attributed to metabolic
disturbances due to renal failure.
Conclusion: The higher prevalence of oral manifestations in CKD patients necessitates mandatory oral screening to identify
patients with deteriorating renal function. The management of such lesions, sign and symptoms will enhance the overall well being
of CKD patients in developing countries. Regular oral checkup is recommended for the better oral health in these patients and that will improve the compliance to oral drug therapy, which in turn will promote the quality of life of CKD patients on dialysis with minimal complications.