Association between periodontitis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Oral Health and Immunology
• Periodontology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with complex etiology.
• Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums, has been implicated in various systemic diseases.
• The relationship between periodontitis and SLE requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between periodontitis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• To evaluate periodontal parameters in patients with SLE.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to September 19, 2019.
• A meta-analysis of ten studies involving 80,633 subjects was performed.
• Associations between periodontitis and SLE, along with other periodontal parameters, were assessed.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between periodontitis and SLE (OR=5.32, p=0.004).
• SLE patients exhibited a higher prevalence of bleeding on probing (MD=0.03, p=0.02) and greater clinical attachment loss (MD=0.69, p<0.001).
• No significant differences were observed in plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, or decayed, missing, or filled teeth between groups.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis confirms a significant link between periodontitis and SLE.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing periodontitis may be a cost-effective strategy for SLE prevention.
• Further research into the underlying mechanisms connecting oral health and SLE is warranted.