Oral health status and functional outcomes in Japanese adults with hemophilia: an exploratory cross-sectional study stratified by HIV status

Abstract People with hemophilia (PwH) are at risk of prolonged bleeding following dental treatment, and it has been reported that some HIV-positive individuals are also at high risk for periodontitis; therefore, evaluating the oral environment and function of PwH while considering the influence of HIV infection is important. A total of 30 Japanese adult PwH (median age, 45 years) receiving care at our hospital were included in this study. Assessments included measures of the oral environment, such as periodontal inflamed surface area, and evaluations of oral function, including oral bacterial count, oral mucosal moisture, bite force, lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. According to the diagnostic criteria for oral hypofunction proposed by the Japanese Society of Geriatric Dentistry, positive findings must be observed in at least three of the listed tests. Of the 30 participants, 7 were diagnosed with oral hypofunction. Most participants exhibited increased oral bacterial count. However, no significant differences in oral environmental measures were observed between PwH with and without oral hypofunction. There was no significant differences in clinical variables measures between HIV-positive and HIV-negative PwH. These findings underscore the importance of continuous oral evaluations and individualized preventive care for all PwH. Given the constraints regarding sample size and statistical power, a result of "no significant difference" does not demonstrate equivalence between groups and requires cautious interpretation. Furthermore, increased oral bacterial levels may indicate plaque control issues and warrant careful clinical consideration.