Association of the quantitative oral health status of patients with COVID-19 with their organ status and immunity: A single-centre observational study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of oral complications in patients with severe COVID-19; investigate the association between their oral health, organ status, and immunity; and determine whether the resazurin disc test is an effective substitute for the Oral Assessment Guide. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: A single-centre observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit with restricted access specialising in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19 treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We investigated the oral health of 13 patients with COVID-19 receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy between April and December 2021 using the Oral Assessment Guide and colour reactive resazurin disc test. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Prognostic Nutritional Index were used to assess organ status and immunity, respectively. The correlation of oral health status with organ status and immunity was investigated. RESULTS: High bacterial levels, revealed by the resazurin disc test, were associated with elevated Oral Assessment Guide scores, indicating oral health deterioration, particularly in terms of teeth and dentures. Increased Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and decreased Prognostic Nutritional Index were correlated with poor oral health, revealed by the Oral Assessment Guide and resazurin disc test. CONCLUSION: Poor oral health is an important risk factor for severe COVID-19 complications in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The Oral Assessment Guide and resazurin disc test can evaluate oral conditions; however, the resazurin disc test is quantitative and does not require salivary specimens to be transferred outside the patient ward for evaluation. The resazurin disc test can be a useful substitute for the Oral Assessment Guide in intensive care units with restricted access. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The resazurin disc test can be used for quantitative assessment of patients’ oral condition in isolation wards. Multidisciplinary management of patients with COVID-19 should be promoted and involve oral healthcare providers such as dentists and dental hygienists.