Periodontal Disease in Patients with Ischemic Stroke - an Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting oral health.
• Ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
• The relationship between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess periodontal disease parameters in patients with ischemic stroke.
• To evaluate the association between periodontal disease and stroke risk factors.
• To determine the impact of periodontal disease on oral health-related quality of life in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 21 ischemic stroke patients and 21 matched controls.
• Periodontal examinations including periodontal epithelial surface area, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), and periodontal disease stage.
• Assessment of oral health-related quality of life (OHQL) using questionnaires and evaluation of stroke risk factors.

Main Results:

• Stroke patients reported significantly higher OHQL scores and full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS).
• Periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) showed significant negative correlations with smoking, cholesterol, and LDL levels.
• PISA demonstrated significant positive correlations with full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), clinical attachment level, and probing depth.

Conclusions:

• Periodontal disease parameters, particularly PISA, are associated with ischemic stroke.
• Factors like tooth loss and limitations in oral hygiene due to stroke recovery complicate the interpretation of periodontal data.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke.