Erosive oral lesions and desquamative gingivitis are 2 observable manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and they are only some of the many symptoms patients may exhibit. SLE is a chronic rheumatic autoimmune disease occurring mostly in women 30 years of age and older. The disease is most common among African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans at a rate between 12 and 50 per 100,000. While SLE can affect the joints, muscles, kidneys, lungs, and the cardiovascular system, it can include odotogenic infections, TMJ disorders, and Sjogren’s disorders. Oral hygiene can be painful to perform, and with a loss of saliva, tooth decay can result. Diagnosis is difficult but centers on 4 of the 11 criteria listed: inflammation of serous tissue, oral ulcers, positive antinuclear antibody test, arthritis, sensitivity to light, butterfly-shaped facial rash, discoid lupus, and blood, kidney, immunologic, or neurologic disorders. Most patients present with joint pain, fever, malaise, myalgia, and fatigue. Patients must have frequent recall visits to avoid infections, which can spread rapidly due to the immunosuppressed state. Dialysis patients with renal failure should have dental surgery one day after dialysis. SLE patients can also have inflammation in the heart, causing valve damage. In this case, antibiotic prophylaxis should be given to avoid bacterial infection of the heart lining. The focus on SLE patients is prevention of infections through good oral hygiene.
(Source: The Oral Care Report, 2008, Volume 18, Number 2)
