Evaluation of gum health status in hemophilia patients in Birjand (a case-control study)

Gum bleeding in the absence of trauma or injury in adults with haemophilia is often reported. So hemophilic patients require special care and attention in various dentistry practices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gingival health status in patients with hemophilia in Birjand in 2018-2019.

Sampling was used in this case-control study to recruit cases (89 patients with hemophilia) and 89 individuals as control group recruited randomly from the general population, which were matched with cases based on gender, age and place of residence. Clinical examinations included dental health and salivary assessments. After taking informed consent from cases who had the inclusion criteria for the study, information including demographic characterizes, family history, viral infections, coagulation history, and the time of onset treatment was recorded. Oral examination was done by catheter and dental mirror. MGI (Modified gingival index) and Periodontal Index (PI) were determined for each subject.

In this study, 84.3% of the hemophilia patients were males and 76.4% of them had a family history of hemophilia. The results show that difference between the mean of MGI and PI in hemophilic patients and healthy subjects is not statistically significant (P>0.05) while, it is higher in hemophilic patients than healthy subjects, but this difference is not statistically significant (P>0.05). Also, with increasing age, MGI and PI showed a significant increase (P<0.05).

Although the higher MGI and PI index in hemophilia patients, attention to oral health and frequent control in hemophiliac is necessary. Also, to prevent dental problems and further bleeding play an important role.