Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the caries rate and periodontal status in a sample of pregnant women with HIV+ infections from Puerto Rico.MethodsA pilot study was conducted on a cross sectional convenience sample of 25 pregnant women with HIV+ infections from Puerto Rico who visit the CEMI clinic (Centro de Estudios Materno Infantil) at the University of Puerto Rico. The women subjects were evaluated for caries, DMFT (D: Decay tooth; M: Missing tooth due to caries; F: Filled tooth) index, oral lesions associated with HIV+/AIDS and periodontal disease parameters, with a Florida probe by a calibrated dentist on periodontal indexes such as as bleeding on probing, CEJ (cemento-enamel junction) and pocket depth. Periodontal disease was classified as having 4 sites with pocket depth greater than 4 mm and caries were identified following the Radike criteria. Data was statistically analyzed using the SSPS Program (Statistical Software Program for Social Sciences) and descriptive statistics were calculated.ResultsMean DT (decayed teeth), MT (missing teeth due to caries), FT (filled teeth) and DMFT (decay, missing and filled teeth) were 4.8, 1.86, 5.3 and 12, respectively; mean sites of bleeding on probing=12.06; mean sites with pocket depth>4 mm=6.95 and mean sites with loss of attachment greater than 4 mm=7.66. [Almost 50% of the patients had generalized chronic periodontitis. A 72% prevalence of periodontal disease was found. No oral lesions related to HIV+/AIDS were reported. CD4 and viral load was statistically associated with bleeding on probing and severe signs of periodontal disease.ConclusionsHigh levels of dental disease were found in pregnant women with HIV+/AIDS infections from Puerto Rico, and these women were in need of substantial dental services.
Highlights
The UNAIDS (UNITED NATIONS AIDS PROGRAM) 2011 Global Report states that as of the end of 2010, 34 million individuals were living with HIV+/AIDS, and this represents an increase of 17% as compared to those living with HIV+/AIDS in 2001
This study demonstrated a high prevalence of periodontal disease among HIV+ infected, pregnant women in Puerto Rico, based on conservative criteria and the definition of periodontal disease
These results demonstrate that pregnant women with HIV+ infections are in need of access to dental services, especially regarding their periodontal health
Summary
The UNAIDS (UNITED NATIONS AIDS PROGRAM) 2011 Global Report states that as of the end of 2010, 34 million individuals were living with HIV+/AIDS, and this represents an increase of 17% as compared to those living with HIV+/AIDS in 2001. This improved survival is related to greater access to treatment with retroviral medications that have proven to be most effective in reducing the death rate from AIDS. The proportion of women and girls living with HIV+ has been stable at 59% of the world's total HIV+ population, and 53% of the HIV+ population of the Caribbean region. The HIV+ epidemic in the Latin American region continues to be stable and the number of individuals living with HIV+ has increased in recent years [1]
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