Frequency Distribution of Oral Manifestations in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Chronic renal failure, as it affects different systems of the body, can cause major changes in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare oral manifestations in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. 60 patients under hemodialysis treatment referred to the dialysis departments of the teaching hospitals of Shahid Sadougi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd were examined.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis in the dialysis wards of teaching hospitals of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences were studied. Patients were divided into two groups of diabetic and non-diabetic (n=30). The oral cavity was examined with a mirror, explorer and flashlight. Gender, age, duration of hemodialysis, oral signs and symptoms were recorded in the patients' checklists. Data analysis was run by SPSS17 statistical software, T-tests, Fisher Exact and Chi-square.

37 (61.7%) of the patients were male and 23 (38.3%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 57.17 ±16.15 years (age range 15-88 years). Dry mouth (76.7%) and dental erosion (50%) were the highest frequency in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in dry mouth and candidiasis (P <0.05).

The combined effect of diabetes and renal failure in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis has increased oral complications in these individuals, so close collaboration between the patient and health care team to rapid diagnosis of oral lesions could lead to promotion of the patient’s oral health and quality of life and also a decrease in the burden of disease.