Oral health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure and left ventricular assist devices—results of a cross-sectional study

Objectives The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart failure (HF). Material and methods Seventy-four patients with LVAD were recruited from University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Germany. A group of 72 patients with HF was composed by matching (age, gender, smoking). The German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14) was applied. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured by short form 36 survey (SF-36). Dental conditions (decayed-, missing- and filled-teeth [DMF-T]), remaining teeth and periodontal findings were assessed. Statistics: t -test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square or Fisher test, linear regression. Results Age, gender, smoking, underlying disease, co-morbidities and oral findings were comparable between groups ( p > 0.05). OHIP G14 sum score was 3.53 ± 6.82 (LVAD) and 2.92 ± 5.35 (HF; p = 0.70), respectively. The scales SF-36 physical functioning ( p = 0.05) and SF-36 social functioning ( p < 0.01) were worse in LVAD. In the LVAD group, the DMF-T and remaining teeth negatively correlated with OHIP G14 sum score ( p < 0.01). In HF patients, positive correlations were found between OHIP G14 and D-T ( p < 0.01) and remaining teeth ( p = 0.04). Moreover, DMF-T ( p = 0.03) and remaining molars/premolars ( p = 0.02) were negatively correlated with SF-36 scales in HF. Conclusions Oral health and OHRQoL was comparable between LVAD and HF; thereby, OHRQoL reflected the clinical oral status. Clinical relevance Dental care, with beginning in early stage of HF, should be fostered to preserve teeth and support quality of life before and after LVAD implantation.