Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preterm Low Birth Weight

Abstract

PurposeThere is growing evidence showing that a number of complex human diseases are caused or are at least influenced by periodontal diseases. Such diseases include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. The aim of study was to evaluate periodontal diseases as a risk factor for a preterm low birth weight.Materials and MethodsA total of 48 mothers, 20 of who had a preterm low birth weight delivery, were examined in the Clinics of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cumhuriyet University. The periodontal exams consisted of a full mouth pocket depth, a Loe and Sillness Gingival index score measurements, and a panoramic radiograph analysis. Information on any other factors that may cause a preterm low birth weight was obtained from the family physician.ResultsThe study results indicated that periodontitis (OR: 3.6 95% CI: 1.06 - 12.18) together with bacterial vaginosis (OR: 11.57 95% CI: 1.26 - 105.7) were independent risk factors of a preterm low birth weight. According to the data obtained from this study, the paternal age, tobacco use and the mothers' height were not significant risk factors for a preterm low birth weight.ConclusionWithin the limits of this study, it is concluded that a poor periodontal health status of the mother may be a potential risk factor for a preterm low birth weight.

Can Oral Anaerobic Bacteria cause Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes?/ Дали Оралните Анаеробни Бактерии Можат Да Доведат До Лоши Опстетрички Исходи?

“…Offenbacher and his group in 1996 reported a sevenfold increased risk of a mother with periodontal disease delivering a PTLBW baby [15]. This observation was difficult to ignore and since then many studies have been completed but with varying results [16,17].…”

The Emerging Concepts on the Impact of Periodontitis on Systemic Health

“…Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to 20-30% of LBW births and 10% of fetal and infant deaths (Boutigny et al, 2005). Infection is also considered as a major cause of PLBW deliveries, accounting for 30% and 50% of all cases (Offenbacher et al, 1998;Marakoglu et al, 2008). It has been proposed that one important factor contributing to the continuing prevalence of infants with PLBW is the effect of maternal burden of infection.…”

“…The relationship between periodontal bacteria and systemic diseases was investigated extensively during the past two decades. More recently, a wealth of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies have provided irrefutable evidence that periodontal disease negatively impacts systemic health and proposed mechanisms by which such an association may occur (Fisher et al, 2008;Marakoglu et al, 2008). It is now widely accepted that periodontitis can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and mediators which may play a major role in the development of a variety of systemic conditions (Kuo et al, 2008).…”

Significance of bacterial vaginosis and periodontal infection as Predictors of preterm labor

“…Association was found by Marakoglu et al The study results indicated that Periodontitis (OR: 3.6 95% CI: 1.06-12.18) together with bacterial vaginosis (OR: 11.57 95% CI: 1.26-105.7) were independent risk factors of a preterm low birth weight. 19 Further analysis was done to study any association of periodontal infection and bacterial vaginosis with perinatal outcomes. Majority of the newborns had an apgar of 9 at 1 minute (97.4%).…”