Gingivitis on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: A pilot study

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) condition have hyperactivity immune which causes decreasing immune ability to fight bacteria, resulting susceptible to infection. Believed that one clinical manifestation in oral cavity is gingivitis. Discovery of gingivitis in SLE patients supports proving that there is an increased risk of infection and inflammation, which is associated with autoimmune disease. Objective of this study is to determine gingivitis and its severity in SLE patients.

A total of 61 SLE patients were recruited in the study in Rheumatology Department Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang. Characteristics data as disease duration and treatment duration were recorded. Clinical parameters as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index (SLEDAI), gingival index, bleeding on probing were recorded and blood serum were collected for anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels in all groups. Anti-dsDNA levels were calculated using Enzyme-Linked Immune-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).

SLE patients with normal gingiva was 3 patients (4.91%) with mean gingival index 0, 11 patients (18.03%) was mild inflammation with mean gingival index 0.36±0.13, 17 patients (27.86%) was moderate inflammation with mean gingival index 1.85 ±0.18, and 30 patients (49.18%) was severe inflammation with mean gingival index 2.78±0.28. There was a significant correlation between gingivitis with SLE severity, anti-dsDNA levels, and BOP on SLE patients (p<0.001). No correlation found between gingivitis with disease duration, and treatment duration.

Gingivitis is one of clinical manifestation of SLE. Gingival inflammation related to SLE severity, anti-dsDNA levels and bleeding on probing finding.