The effects on Oral Related Quality of Life induced by periodontitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

The objective of study was to evaluate the impact of periodontitis on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Sixty consecutive patients with JIA with or without periodontitis and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The demographic data, disease activity and clinical characteristics were obtained from all patients. HRQoL and disability was assessed by two questionnaires, the Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ) and the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14). Possible determining factors of periodontitis comprised demographic and disease characteristics and HRQOL scores that were assessed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Compared to patients without periodontitis, JIA patients with periodontitis presented higher disability and lower HRQOL scores. The multivariable logistic regression analysis highlighted that female subjects (OR 1.4) or a JIA duration over 4.1 years (OR 2.6), higher C-HAQ and CPQ11-14 scores (OR 2.8 – 2.9) were the greatest determining factors for periodontitis. JIA patients with periodontitis presented lower HRQoL compared to JIA patients without periodontitis. Periodontitis was strongly associated with JIA duration and activity and negatively influenced the HRQoL of JIA patients.