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Evaluation of the stomatognathic system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of stomatognathic dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study sample consisted of 40 patients with RA (34 female, 6 male), mean age 44 years, recruited at the Rheumatology Division of the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. The inclusion criteria were diagnosis of RA according to the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association (ARA). In the study, 82.5% (n=33) of patients affected by RA satisfied at least the criteria of one diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The results are in agreement with the literature and the prevalence of such involvement ranges between 53% and 94% of patients. Several studies reported an involvement of the stomatognathic system in RA. In fact, RA can affect the temporomandibular joint as much as any other synovial joint. A more thorough analysis is required for a multidisciplinary approach to gnathological patients, including assessment by a rheumatologist. This issue and its epidemiologic relevance need further scientific research. Dentistry has a fundamental role in this process since patients who present with a systemic disease such as RA can be recognized and intercepted and referred to medical specialists, i.e., rheumatologists, to provide a diagnosis and therapy.

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    • Authors

    Bracco P, Debernardi C, Piancino MG, Cirigliano MF, Salvetti G, Bazzichi L, De Feo F, Bosco M

    Institution

    Dept. of Orthodontics and Gnathology, Dental School, University of Turin, Via Nizza 230, 10126 Torino, Italy. pietro.bracco@unito.it

    Source

    Cranio : the journal of craniomandibular practice 28:3 2010 Jul pg 181-6

    MeSH

    Adult
    Arthritis, Rheumatoid
    Female
    Humans
    Immunologic Factors
    Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    Male
    Pain Measurement
    Palpation
    Radiography, Panoramic
    Range of Motion, Articular
    Rheumatoid Factor
    Rheumatoid Nodule
    Sound
    Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
    Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    20806736