Oral active matrix metalloproteinase-8 immunotest may be less accurate in haemato-oncologic patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the associations of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) point-of-care immunotest (Periosafe) outcomes with oral health of patients with haemato-oncologic diseases. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with haematological diseases aimed to be treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 2018 and 2019 were included in the study. Clinical and radiological dental examination were taken immediately prior to transplantation. The presence of oral foci of infections, caries or periodontitis was examined and compared with the outcomes of aMMP-8 immunotest. RESULTS: Acute oral infection foci were present in 11.9%, chronic in 44.1% and periodontitis in 42.0% of the 143 subjects. aMMP-8 immunotest was positive in 13.3% of all the 143 subjects. Among subjects with periodontitis (n = 60), the aMMP-8 immunotest was also positive in 13.3% of these subjects. However, the subjects with positive aMMP-8 immunotest (n = 19) had more often acute or chronic infection foci and more than one of the examined dental treatment needs compared with subjects with negative immunotest (all p < 0.05). There were no differences in age, sex, hyposalivation, DMFT-index values nor with plasma levels of leukocytes, neutrophils or C-reactive protein between subjects with positive or negative aMMP-8 immunotest. CONCLUSIONS: aMMP-8 immunotest accuracy might be reduced, in relation to periodontitis, in haemato-oncologic patients.

Common oral diseases, hyposalivation and survival post-HSCT, a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at risk of side effects within the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to examine progression of common oral diseases and hyposalivation and their associations with survival in allogeneic HSCT recipients. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty nine adult HSCT recipients treated with HSCT between 2008 and 2016 were included in this study. The associations of caries, decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, radiological attachment loss and stimulated salivary flow rate with 6-month survival and the progression of the oral disorders within 2 years were examined. RESULTS: Forty HSCT recipients (14.8%) deceased within 6 months post-HSCT. Among the deceased recipients, hyposalivation and caries were more common pre-HSCT than in recipients who survived over 6 months (P < 0.05). HSCT recipients with hyposalivation pre-HSCT had higher risk of death (HR: 1.90, 95% CI:1.00-3.60; P = 0.044) within 6 months post-HSCT compared with recipients without hyposalivation. Hyposalivation pre-HSCT was associated with a higher DMFT index score (P < 0.05) and a smaller number of teeth (P < 0.005) 24 months post-HSCT in comparison with those without hyposalivation. CONCLUSIONS: Hyposalivation and caries were associated with a lower rate of survival in HSCT recipients. Additionally, hyposalivation predisposed to deterioration of oral health post-HSCT.

Common oral diseases in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients pre-HSCT.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of common oral diseases between allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 adult allogeneic HSCT recipients who were treated for haematological malignancies between 2008 and 2016 were included in the study. The HSCT recipients were age and sex matched with healthy controls. A dental examination was performed on the HSCT recipients prior to HSCT. Differences in stimulated saliva flow rate (SSFR), decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, number of teeth, number of caries lesions, and measures of current or previous periodontitis (radiological attachment loss >3 mm or probing pocket depth ≥4 mm) between HSCT recipients and controls were examined. RESULTS: Stimulated saliva flow rate, DMFT index and the number of caries lesions were poorer in the HSCT recipients pre-HSCT compared to controls (all P-values <0.05). No statistically significant differences in the measures of current or previous periodontitis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulated saliva flow rate was low and caries was common in HSCT recipients prior to HSCT. Efficient preventive strategies are important in order to maintain the oral health of these patients.