Analysis of Correlation of Periodontal Disorders with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is caused by pathological damage to periodontal tissues, evident through increased gingival sulcus depth and bleeding gums. Its etiology includes local factors such as plaque, calculus, cavities, and poor dental hygiene, as well as systemic causes like hormonal shifts, diabetes, and blood disorders. Objective: This study aims to correlate periodontal disorders with Hepatitis C infection. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry, LUMHS Jamshoro. Two hundred participants were selected using non-probability convenient sampling, comprising 100 cases infected with the Hepatitis C virus and 100 controls without Hepatitis C. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing Student's t-test and Chi-square test for evaluating continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: The Mean± SD of cases and controls was 41.7±7.31 and 40.9±5.6 years respectively (p=0.076). Of the 100 cases, 57% were male and 43% female, while in the control group, 61% were male and 39% female. Seventy-one percent of cases reported not brushing their teeth. The frequency of brushing techniques such as straight, circular, and up-down motions was observed in 34% and 45%, 54% and 47%, & 12% and 8% of cases and controls, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of periodontal disease among individuals infected with Hepatitis C. Given the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection in the population, further research is recommended regarding the oral health of HCV-infected patients.