Measuring the impact of systemic sclerosis on oral health-related quality of life in a UK population

Background: The objective of the present study was to identify the impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc) upon oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of affected individuals resident in the UK. Methods: A total of 100 patients and their partners or carers were invited to complete questionnaires regarding the impact of SSc on quality of life and psychological well-being using valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures (OHIP-14, MHISS, OIDP, MDAS and HADS). A total of 50 patients with SSc and 18 partners or carers who acted as controls returned the completed questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons of different variables. Results: All the mean scores of OHIP-14 (SSc [16.5 ± 12.4] Vs controls [6.06 ± 7.6, p = 0.001]) and MHISS components were significantly higher in patients than those of control group (SSc [21.26 ± 12] Vs controls [4.8 ± 7.3, p < 0.0001]). Majority of OIDP mean scores were significantly worse in patients compared with controls [SSc (10 ± 8.7) Vs controls (1.72 ± 3.4, p < 0.0001)]. The mean of total MDAS [SSc (11.7 ± 5.3) Vs controls (9.5 ± 4.4)] and HADS scores were higher in patients compared to controls (SSc depression [4.8 ± 3.3] and anxiety [6 ± 4.6] Vs controls [3.7 ± 3.1] [4.7 ± 3.9]). Conclusions: Although the present study is limited by the low response rate and its cross-sectional design, present results highlighted that systemic sclerosis has a negative impact on OHRQoL of the affected individuals; hence, the evaluation of associated psychological impact including anxiety and depression symptoms is needed to better understand, monitor and evaluate the disease comorbidity in patients with SSc.