The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with chronic hemodialysis and evaluate the risk factors of developing TMD. Methods: One hundred forty-six subjects were included in the study. The examination for TMD was based on the standardized Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Axis I protocol was used to evaluate the prevalence of TMD sub-diagnoses. Results: The prevalence of TMD was 41.5% in hemodialysis patients and significantly higher than in the control group. The most common symptom was TMJ pain, and the most common TMD subtype was muscular type. Female patients had significantly higher TMD than males. C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, and albumin were significantly associated with TMD. Conclusion: There was an elevated prevalence of TMD in hemodialysis patients.