Gingival inflammation and hematological parameters in children with visceral leishmaniasis: A cross-sectional study

Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess gingival inflammation in 67 children aged 1-8 years (mean age 3.07) with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) at the time of hospitalization (Dl) and 7 days after the first interview (D7) and compare the main hematological changes between the two time points. Methods and Results: The bioffim index was verified at D1 and D7 using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the gingival inflammation index based on the gingival index (GI), along with hematological parameters. The mean OHI-S was 2.35 +/- 0.93 at D1 and 1.47 +/- 0.75 at D7. The mean GI was 0.56 +/- 0.59 at Dl and 0.11 +/- 0.32 at D7. The variable OHI-S at Di could predict GI at Di, as an increase in the OHI-S value by one unit was associated with an increase in the GI D1 value by 0.36 units (p < .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that none of the hematological variables were predictive of gingival inflammation at D1 and D7 (p > .05). Conclusion: Children with VL had poor oral hygiene on the first day of hospitalization. Clinically, the oral hygiene status progressed from poor at D1 to regular at D7. After 7 days the gingival bleeding scores also reduces.