New insights in submucous fibrosis: Nicotine dependence and nutritional assessment

Submucous fibrosis (SMF) is an oral potentially malignant disorder with a high risk of malignant transformation, primarily associated with areca nut use and tobacco consumption.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of nicotine dependence and nutritional status with disease severity in patients with SMF.

This observational study was conducted among 70 SMF patients subdivided on clinical and histological classification.

Habit index was calculated and Nicotine dependence was measured using Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Body mass index (BMI) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was recorded. Haematological assessment, including serum iron, vitamin B_12, and folate levels was conducted. Malnutritional universal screening tool (MUST) was used to score the risk of malnutrition.

Chi-square, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's correlation tests were used for group comparisons of categorical, numerical, and ordinal data, respectively. Level of statistical significance was set at a P value less than 0.05.

Clinical and histological staging showed a positive correlation with habit index and nicotine dependence (P value = 0.001). BMI, MUAC and serum iron levels showed inverse correlation with severity of the disease. MUST scores revealed increase (P value = 0.001) with advancing stages of SMF. FTND showed significant correlation with BMI, MUAC, MUST and serum iron values. Nicotine dependence and nutritional status are important indicators of the severity of the disease in patients with SMF. Routine assessment of these parameters' aids in the identification of high-risk groups and to plan a targeted treatment strategy.