Periodontitis in Italian patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional study. (21st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karapetsa, Dimitra; Consensi, Arianna; Castagnoli, Giulia; Petrini, Morena; Tonelli, Matteo; Gennai, Stefano; Bazzichi, Laura; Graziani, Filippo
• Is Part Of: Oral diseases. Volume 28:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1715
• Page End: 1722
• Publication Date: 2021-03-21
• Subjects: disease activity -- Italian -- periodontitis -- prevalence -- rheumatoid arthritis; Mouth -- Diseases -- Research -- Periodicals; 617.522
• DOI: 10.1111/odi.13842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-523X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontitis (P) among Italian patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and methods: A full‐mouth periodontal examination and a rheumatologic examination were performed. RA disease activity was scored using the DAS28. Serum analyses investigated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen. Information concerning smoking, body mass index and RA medical therapy was collected. Data were analysed by Student's t test, chi‐square test, binary logistic regression and Spearman's rank. Results: This cross‐sectional study included 120 subjects, 77 had both diseases while 43 only had RA. The number of teeth present was statistically lower in the RA‐P compared to the RA group ( p < .05). There were statistically more subjects seropositive for ACPAs in the RA‐P group (62.3% vs. 32.6%, p < .05). RA‐P patients had an adjusted OR = 2.9 of presenting a moderate‐severe DAS28 score (DAS28 ≥ 3.2). Conclusions: Higher prevalence of severe P was noted among RA subjects. The clinical severity of RA was strongly correlated with the clinical periodontal parameters, and RA subjects also affected by P had an OR of 2.9 for presenting with a moderate‐severe RA (DAS28 score ≥ 3.2).