Periodontal disease and tooth loss are associated with seizure severity in refractory epilepsy patients
Abstract number :
2.087
Submission category :
15. Epidemiology
Year :
2011
Submission ID :
14823
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2011 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Oct 4, 2011, 07:57 AM
Authors :
A. L. Costa, C. L. Yasuda, F. Cendes
Rationale: Gingivitis is one of the most common causes of periodontal disease and caused by several known systemic and local factors. The aims of this study were to assess the periodontal condition of refractory epilepsy patients. Methods: A total of 110 patients (mean age 39.22 13 years; 61 women) who underwent surgery for refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MLTE) participated in this study. Each subject participated in a complete periodontal examination with assessment of missing teeth, gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia. In addition, seizure frequency and use of medication were documented.Results: The severity of periodontitis was significantly associated with seizure frequency (p < 0.01). The incidence of tooth loss was highest patients with gingivitis. Gingival hyperplasia was significantly related to phenytoin use (p < 0.01). Higher rates of phenytoin use were found in older patients (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We can conclude that there is a strong association between seizure frequency and periodontitis. Refractory epilepsy patients should be targeted for intensive prevention of periodontal disease with oral hygiene maintenance and treatment strategies for the management of gingival health.
Epidemiology