Tooth loss and associated factors in patients with coagulopathies in the State of Paraíba, Brazil

Rev Bras Hematol Hemoter. 2013;35(5):319-24. doi: 10.5581/1516-8484.20130097.

Abstract

Background: The most common and best known hereditary coagulopathies are hemophilia A and B followed by von Willebrand Disease.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tooth loss and investigate its association with demographic and socioeconomic data, as well as to discuss self-reported oral morbidity and use of health services by patients with coagulopathies treated in blood centers in Paraíba, Brazil.

Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological survey. Data was collected in the period from October 2011 to July 2012 by clinical examination and by assessing interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics with the level of significance (α) being set at 10%.

Results: One hundred and six, predominantly male (88.8%), patients with coagulopathies were evaluated. The ages ranged from one to 59 years. Most patients were of mixed race (61.3%), most reported family incomes between R$ 501.00 and R$ 1500.00 (49.1%), and most had not completed elementary school (37.1%). Hemophilia A was found in 76.4% of the cases. The prevalence of dental caries among individuals was 50.0% predominantly in the 13- to 19-year-old age range (66.7%). As regards to tooth loss, teeth were missing in 35.1% of the study participants.

Conclusion: Tooth loss is high in this population. Males with severe hemophilia A, those who use fluoride and have a good or very good perception about their last dental appointment have a reduced chance of losing their teeth.

Keywords: Blood coagulation disorders; Hemophilia A; Hemophilia B; Logistic models; Oral health; Tooth diseases; Tooth loss; von Willebrand diseases.