LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Poor oral hygiene can cause infections and inflammatory diseases. Data on its impact on outcome after lung transplantation (LuTX) is scarce. Most transplant-centers have individual standards regarding dental care as there is no clinical guideline. This study's objective was to assess LuTX-listed-patient's dental status and determine its effect on postoperative outcome. METHODS 200 patients having undergone LuTX from 2014-2019 were selected. Collected data comprised LuTX-indication, periodontal status and number of carious teeth/fillings. A preoperative panoramic dental x-ray and a dentist's consultative clarification were mandatory. RESULTS 63.5% had carious dental status, differing significantly regarding TX-indication (p<0.001; ILD: 41.7% vs. CF: 3.1% of all patients with carious teeth). Mean age at the time of LuTX differed significantly within these groups. Neither preoperative carious dental status, nor periodontitis or bone loss deteriorated post-LuTX survival significantly. No evidence was found that either resulted in a greater number of deaths related to an infectious etiology. CONCLUSION This study shows that carious dental status, periodontitis and bone loss do not affect post-TX survival. However, literature indicates that they can cause systemic/pulmonary infections that deteriorate post-LuTX survival. Regarding the absence of standardized guidelines regarding dental care and LuTX, we strongly recommend emphasizing research in this field.