Fibromyalgia and acute periapical abscesses.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of acute PAs in fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: Nine years of data from 2,108,676 patients were retrieved and analyzed by searching corresponding ICD-10 diagnosis codes for fibromyalgia and acute PAs. The odds ratio (OR) for acute PAs and their association with fibromyalgia were calculated and statistically analyzed using MEDCALC software at the 95% confidence level. Logistic regression and adjustment for diabetes, nicotine dependence, and alcohol use disorder comorbidities were done. RESULTS: Overall, the OR for acute PAs in patients with fibromyalgia was 4.7, and the difference in prevalence compared to the total hospital patient population was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). After adjustment for diabetes, the OR was 2.8. After adjustment for nicotine dependence, the OR was 2.6. After adjustment for alcohol related disorders, the OR was 4.4. The difference in prevalence compared to the total hospital patient population remained statistically significant (P< 0.0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should be aware of the possible higher prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with fibromyalgia. More frequent dental visits for caries control and pulp disease prevention are warranted.