Prevalence of oral lesions in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Isfahan

Abstract

Background. One of the significant lesions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is oral lesions. Due to the high prevalence of these lesions and the lack of an accurate study on their frequency in Iran, the present study was performed to evaluate the frequency of oral lesions in patients with SLE in Isfahan to guide patients in receiving the necessary treatments. Methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 106 patients with SLE referred to the Rheumatology Clinics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were included. They clinically completed a checklist, and their medical records were evaluated. Sampling was done through convenience sampling, and the data were collected using a checklist. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 25, as well as descriptive statistical methods, including the preparation of frequency distribution tables and the calculation of the mean and standard deviation. Standard deviations, percentages, and correlation coefficients of Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Results. The most common oral lesion was Erythema (29.63%), and the least common was Candidiasis (3.7%) and the most site of involvement was buccal mucosa. Conclusion. Due to the high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with SLE, it is very important to emphasize the cooperation of rheumatologists and oral disease specialists for early diagnosis and accordingly patient’s guidance to commence the treatment faster. Practical Implications. There were 74.53% patients without oral lesions, whereas 25.47% had oral lesions.