Survey of Medical Referral by Japanese Dentists for Patients With Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Lichen Planus.

objectivesThis study aimed to investigate the referral rates of oral lichen planus (OLP) and untreated hepatitis virus-infected patients by dentists to hepatologists. MATERIALS AND

methodsThe study was conducted at three dental clinics in the Oita prefecture between November 2021 and June 2023. Two distinct groups of patients who visited the dentist for dental treatment were included: those with liver disease and concurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and those diagnosed with OLP. The rate of medical referrals to a hepatologist was investigated. Data on the number of patients, gender, age, diagnosis of liver disease, and referral practices were collected from the records submitted by each dental clinic. Information about the HCV and HBV infection status was collected through interviews with the dentists.

resultsA total of 1,665 patients were included, of which 10 were HCV-infected, five were HBV-infected, and six were diagnosed with OLP. None of the 15 patients with liver disease were referred to a hepatologist by their dentists. Nine out of the 10 HCV-infected patients had achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after antiviral treatment. Of the six patients with OLP, one had a history of HBV infection, one had severe fatty liver, and the remaining four had normal livers; five of the OLP patients were referred to a hepatologist (83.3%).

conclusionA high referral rate from dentists to hepatologists was observed among the OLP patients. However, the study highlighted the difficulties in identifying hepatitis patients and establishing appropriate medical coordination in dental institutions.