Influence of Chronic Periodontitis on the Long-Term Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in different populations. The aim of this study was to examine an association of CP with hard endpoints in patients after kidney transplantation during a 15-year follow-up period. Study group consist of 117 patients (77M/40F, median age 44 years) divided into two subgroups: those with initially advanced CP (CPITN 3-4) and those with no or moderate CP (CPITN 0-2). All cardiovascular events, graft losses, and re-transplantations were recorded. All deaths were noted and verified, including those occurred after the return to dialysis therapy, the causes of death were identified. Cox regression with Firth's penalized maximum likelihood models were used for data analysis. During the observation period, 49 deaths occurred. Advanced CP (n= 35) was not associated with overall mortality but was associated with increased risk of death with functioning graft (DWFG) [HR 3.54 (1.20-10.45);p< 0.05]. Risk of graft loss was not associated with CP status. In conclusion, an advanced CP was independently associated with increased risk of DWFG, but not all-cause or cardiovascular mortality after renal transplantation.