Enamel defect and gingival enlargement in pediatric patients with kidney disease at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

BACKGROUND

Although many complications from kidney disease therapy can be prevented or effectively treated, oral health problems are nevertheless a consequence.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of enamel defect and gingival enlargement in pediatric patients with kidney disease at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2013, at SrinagarindHospital, Khon Kaen University. Ninety-seven pediatric patients with kidney disease were allowed by their parents to participate in this study. Data were collected from medical records, questionnaires and oral examination records. The enamel defect was recorded using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Gingival enlargement was recorded using the GingivalEnlargement Index. An oral examination was conducted using a mouth mirror, explorer and periodontal probe.

RESULTS

The average age of the pediatric patients with kidney disease was 11.53+3.7years (range, 4-17). The majority of subjects were able to (a) come for an appointment (97.9%), (b) take medication according to the medical directions (93.8%) and (c) avoid inappropriatefoodsfor those suffering kidney disease (84.5%). The prevalence of enamel defect was 27.8%. The most common enamel defects were demarcated opacities (13.4%) or diffuse opacities (9.3%). The prevalence ofgingival enlargement was 16.5%.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the prevalence ofenamel defect was 27.8% and the prevalence ofgingival enlargement was 16.5%.