Evaluation of the relationships between clinical periodontal status, rheumatoid arthritis serum markers and oral health effect profile (OHİP-14) in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: In our study, we aimed to analyze the periodontal status and oral health-related quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving medical treatment with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and to evaluate the relationship between both conditions and rheumatoid arthritis serum markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RA group, with 80 individuals who were referred to Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry Periodontology Department for periodontal status evaluation, among RA patients receiving treatment at Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology. A healthy control group was formed with 80 individuals who did not have any systemic inflammatory disease who applied to the hospital. Taking detailed medical and dental anamnesis from the individuals included in the study; clinical periodontal measurements were made and the OHIP-14 questionnaire was applied. Serum CRP, RF and anti-CCP levels of RA group patients were checked. RESULTS: The clinical periodontal parameter scores of the individuals in the RA group were found to be statistically significantly higher than the healthy control group. When the groups were compared, the OHIP-14 questionnaire scores were also statistically significantly higher in the RA group. A significant correlation was found between serum CRP level, one of the RA markers, and all clinical parameters and periodontal disease. DISCUSSION: Although a high prevalence of periodontitis was found in rheumatoid arthritis cases in our study, these findings are insufficient to report a clear link between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. These results need to be supported by more comprehensive studies including microbiological and biochemical parameters with larger sample sizes.