Periodontal disease in pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia

Abstract

Many recent studies have evaluated the relation between periodontitis and pregnancy complications. This study aimed to examine the association between preeclampsia and periodontitis in Indian women. A total of 130 pregnant women were enrolled between 26-32 weeks of gestation. Oral health examinations were performed at recruitment and again within 48 hours of delivery to determine the presence and/or progression of periodontitis in all subjects. Pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival index were measured in all subjects. There was significant (p < 0.05) difference between the preeclampsia and normotensive groups in the distribution of periodontitis both at recruitment and after delivery. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that periodontitis both at enrolment (OR = 5.78, 95% CI 2.41-13.89) as well as within 48 hours of delivery (OR = 20.15, 95% CI 4.55-89.29), may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Evidence Linking the Role of Placental Expressions of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐γ and Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia Associated With Periodontitis

“…This provides further support to the proposition that risk indicators of periodontitis (BOP and AL) are associated with increased risk for preeclampsia. This is in agreement with previous studies showing no significant difference in BOP and AL ≥3 mm for women with preeclampsia and normotensive women 31–34 . This could be due to disparity in interpretation of periodontal disease severity.…”

“…BOP and AL can be considered better risk indicators of periodontitis‐associated preeclampsia. This is in agreement with previous studies 33 , 35 . Based on these studies, it is likely that greater virulence of microorganisms and greater susceptibility of the host to bacterial infections in women with preeclampsia would have led to increased BOP and AL.…”

Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preeclampsia

“…Prepregnancy BMI is cited in the literature as a risk factor for preeclampsia 23,41‐44 . This association is also encountered in the present study and underscores the need for females to adjust their weight before becoming pregnant and thereafter control their weight during pregnancy.…”

Relationship between Periodontitis and Pre-Eclampsia: A Meta-Analysis

“…Only two studies [63], [64] gained the maximum score in the Selection outcome; nine studies [15], [19], [24], [25], [26], [52], [63], [64], [65] had the maximum score in the Comparability outcome; and all studies had a partial score in the Exposure outcome.…”