Evaluation of the stomatognathic system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.
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.
Bracco
Pietro
P
Dept. of Orthodontics and Gnathology, Dental School, University of Turin, Via Nizza 230, 10126 Torino, Italy. pietro.bracco@unito.it
Debernardi
Cesare
C
Piancino
Maria Grazia
MG
Cirigliano
Maria Francesca
MF
Salvetti
Giovanni
G
Bazzichi
Laura
L
De Feo
Francesca
F
Bosco
Mario
M
D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000097:blood; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010173:Palpation; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood; D012218:Rheumatoid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis; D013016:Sound; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor