Association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases: a case-control study on implant- and patient-related risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases, as well as the influence of different risk indicators on this association. METHODS: This case-control study included 64 cases with liver cirrhosis and 128 controls without liver diseases that presented the same socio-demographic and economic profile. The specific inclusion criteria were the following: aged group of 35-55 years and presenting at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for >5 years. A full-mouth peri-implant and periodontal examination was performed and risk variables were recorded. The association between risk variables and the occurrence of peri-implant diseases was tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, stratified by alcohol status. Additionally, a mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effect of age with peri-implantitis. RESULTS: A high prevalence of peri-implantitis (29.7%) was observed among cases when compared to controls (18.0%). Individuals with cirrhosis presented ~2.5 higher chance of having peri-implantitis than controls (p<0.001). Significant variables associated with the occurrence of peri-implantitis in the final logistic model were the following: cirrhosis, alcohol use, age (>55 years), male sex, smoking, periodontitis, and number of ≤14. CONCLUSIONS: An important risk association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implantitis was reported. Future studies with a larger sample size controlling for the patient- and implant-related confounders are needed to better understand the link between peri-implantitis and liver cirrhosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cirrhosis individuals, age, and periodontitis, as well as alcohol use and smoking interaction, should be considered as potential risk indicators for peri-implantitis.