Risk factors for oral alterations in intensive care unit patients: A pilot cohort study

Background Several studies evidenced the presence of oral alterations in ICU patient. However, data about identification of their risk factors in ICU patients is scarce, especially due to the lack of longitudinal prospective studies. Here, we evaluate the risk factors for the development of oral alterations in a group of ICU patients through a prospective longitudinal cohort. Methods During May-December 2019, 43 ICU patients in a tertiary hospital in Brazil were evaluated. Medical record reviews and oral examinations of each patient were made by 3 dentists in five distinct moments. Results Among all patients, 53.5% (n = 23) were female, with a mean age of 59.8 years (+/- 17.4). The incidence of oral alterations was 51.2% (35.6%-66.8%) and among these (n = 22), hyposalivation (n = 9; 40.9%), and lingual biofilm accumulation (n = 9; 40.9%) were the most common. The mean age of the group with oral alterations (66.9 years) was higher compared to the group without alterations (52.3 years). Furthermore, male patients (p = 0.02), older than 60 years (p = 0.004) and treated with mechanical ventilator (p = 0.03) had a higher risk of oral alterations. Conclusions Systemic parameters, as age and mechanical ventilator, could influence the oral environment of ICU patients.