Prevalence of apical periodontitis in people living with HIV in southern Brazil

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) over 50 years old and explore its association with sociodemographic, medical, and oral characteristics. Data from 59 PLHIV were collected, and the periapical area of 1018 teeth was evaluated through periapical radiographs (Rx) using Periapical Index (PAI). Presence and quality of root fillings and restorations (coronal fillings and crowns) were also assessed in the Rx; presence of caries was based on Rx and clinical data. Viral load (VL) and T-CD4 count were also evaluated. The prevalence of AP in individuals was 71%, and 8% of the teeth presented AP. Family income >5 Brazilian minimum wage (OR=0.06, 95% CI=0.005-0.62) and having at least one root-filled tooth (OR=14.55, 95% CI=1.45-145.72) were associated with the prevalence of AP, whereas VL and T-CD4 were not. The presence of caries, root filling, and restorations were associated with the presence of AP in a tooth. PLHIV presented a high prevalence of AP, but intrinsic factors related to HIV infection were not associated with AP in the studied subjects. PLHIV would benefit from oral health policies to prevent AP, as the results indicates that the endodontic disease in the present sub-population could be related to social problems.