A meta‐analysis on the effect of periodontal treatment on the glomerular filtration rate of chronic kidney disease individuals

Abstract Aims The purpose of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the impact of periodontal treatment on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Searches were conducted in five databases. Restrictions on publication date or language were not imposed. Studies reporting the GFR of CKD individuals before and after periodontal treatment were included. Studies’ selection, extraction of data and assessment of risk of bias were performed by two reviewers independently. The Methodological Index for non‐randomized studies was employed for risk of bias assessment. Meta‐analysis was carried out. Results One hundred ninety‐two references were retrieved and three studies were included. In all studies included, the periodontal intervention performed was non‐surgical therapy. The three studies together assessed 77 individuals. The follow‐up of participants after periodontal treatment varied between 3 and 6 months. Meta‐analysis demonstrated that the GFR of individuals with CKD increased (improvement) after periodontal treatment (mean difference = 7.01, confidence interval = 0.66 – 13.36, I 2 = 0%). Overall, included studies presented low risk of bias. Conclusion Despite the limited evidence of this systematic review and meta‐analysis, periodontal treatment seems to improve the GFR of CKD individuals, with positive repercussions on their renal function.