Long-term results of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term results of periodontal supportive therapy in HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients. Material and methods: Baseline examination of 18 HIV-seropositive patients (14 males and four females, median age of 29.7 years) revealed the following periodontal diagnoses: eight patients with linear gingival erythema, four patients with necrotizing periodontitis, five patients with conventional gingivitis and one patient with chronic periodontitis. In the HIV-seronegative group, out of 16 patients (12 males and four females, median age 35.5 years), one patient presented with conventional gingivitis and 15 patients with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal therapy and maintenance care consisted of supra- and subgingival removal of plaque and calculus and instruction in oral hygiene. Based on the individual patient's needs, the mechanical therapy was repeated. Results: In the test group, the mean maintenance period was 22.7 ± 9.4 months (range 11.0-37.4) and in the control group, 48.9 ± 32.0 months (range 9.3-110.8). In the test group, the mean PlI (1.1 ± 0.8) remained at the same level (1.1 ± 0.5; p = 0.73, Wilcoxon sign rank test, p < 0.05) throughout the observation period, the mean GI was reduced from 1.6 ± 0.5 to 1.4 ± 0.4 (p = 0.18), the mean PPD was reduced from 2.9 ± 0.3 to 2.8 ± 0.2 (p = 0.15) and the mean PAL (3.1 ± 0.5) remained unaltered as well (3.1 ± 0.4; p = 0.83). None of these differences was statistically significant. In the control group, PPD (3.0 ± 0.4) and PAL (3.0 ± 0.5) were significantly reduced: PPD = 2.7 ± 0.2 (p = 0.0003) and PAL = 2.9 ± 0.5 (p = 0.0034). Conclusion: In HIV-seropositive patients, attachment level can be maintained. However, oral hygiene and compliance are the key factors for this. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002.