Oral Health Status of Venezuelan HIV+ Pregnant Women

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the caries rate and periodontal status in a sample of Venezuelan HIV+ pregnant women.

Methods: A cross sectional pilot study  convenience sample of 64 HIV+ pregnant women who attend the CAPEI dental clinic (Centro de Atención a Pacientes con Enfermedades Infectocontagiosas of the Central University of Venezuela, School of Dentistry, 2010) were evaluated for caries, DMFT index, oral lesions associated to HIV/AIDS and periodontal disease parameters. The subjects were evaluated with a periodontal probe by calibrated dentists on periodontal indexes as bleeding on probing, suppuration, cej and pocket depth. Periodontal disease was classified as having 4 sites with pocket depth greater than 4 mm. Caries follow the WHO criteria. Data was statically analyzed with SSPS Program and descriptive statistics calculated.

Results: The pregnant women mean age was 22.6 years (Range = 19-39). Mean gestational weeks for the group was 28 weeks. Mean DT, MT, FT and DMFT were 9.09, 9.09, 3.09, and 17.37 respectively. Mean sites of bleeding of probing = 20.45, mean sites with pocket depth > 4 mm = 6.65. Sixty percent of the patients had 20% or more of bleeding on probing. Almost 50% prevalence of periodontal disease was found. No oral lesions related to HIV/AIDS were reported. CD4 and viral load was statistically associated to bleeding on probing and pocket depth greater than 4mm.

Conclusions: High levels of dental disease and needs of dental services were found for Venezuelan HIV+ pregnant women.