Severe Periodontitis Is Associated with Early-Onset Poststroke Depression Status

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Oral Health

Background:

• Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication following ischemic stroke.
• Periodontitis has been linked to depression, but its association with early PSD is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between severe periodontitis and early-onset PSD in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• 202 acute ischemic stroke patients were assessed within 7 days of stroke onset.
• Severe periodontitis was defined by pocket depth and clinical attachment loss.
• PSD status was diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores.

Main Results:

• 38.1% of patients were diagnosed with early-onset PSD.
• Severe periodontitis, lower income, lower Barthel Index, lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment, higher NIHSS, and higher mRS were associated with PSD.
• Severe periodontitis (OR 2.401) and NIHSS score > 4 (OR 2.130) were independent predictors of early-onset PSD.

Conclusions:

• Severe periodontitis is an independent predictor of early-onset PSD in acute ischemic stroke patients.
• This finding is significant alongside established factors like stroke severity (NIHSS > 4).