Prevalence, Features and Degree of Association of Oral Lesions in COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Federica Di Spirito, Alfredo Iandolo, Alessandra Amato, Mario Caggiano, Annunziata Raimondo, Serena Lembo and Stefano Martina
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Federica Di Spirito: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Alfredo Iandolo: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Alessandra Amato: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Mario Caggiano: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Annunziata Raimondo: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Serena Lembo: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Stefano Martina: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Regardless of rapidly emerging findings on oral lesions described in adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, the evidence level remains quite low and rather contrasting; therefore, the present systematic review of systematic reviews primarily aims to point out the overall prevalence of diagnosed cases. Secondary aims are to estimate the degree of association between oral lesions and SARS-CoV-2 infection and to grade, based on the reported frequency, the primary oral lesions, with related clinical presentations and microscopic features, in relation to COVID-19 forms. A study protocol compliant with the PRISMA statement was developed. Twelve studies were included, reporting highly heterogeneous and incomplete findings, thus precluding a meta-analysis. Further studies should be conducted to assess the overall prevalence of cases diagnosed with oral lesions among adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, especially considering novel viral variants, and to determine their degree of association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 forms. Moreover, the reported findings noticed the need to evaluate the putative role both of SARS-CoV-2 in oral lesions genesis and of periodontitis and periodontal microbiome in COVID-19 worsening and re-activations. Deeper insights into oral lesions in adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects could enhance the comprehension of illness pathogenesis, natural history and clinical presentation, thus improving the preparedness of health professionals in the inter-disciplinary management of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus disease 2019; oral lesions; oral manifestations; SARS-CoV-2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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