Longitudinal study on the relationship between serum albumin and periodontal disease.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and the general health status in community-dwelling elderly using the serum albumin concentration as a criterion index of the severity of underlying disease and nutrition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six hundred subjects aged 70 years underwent a baseline examination. Dental examinations were carried out at baseline and once a year for 4 years. Periodontal conditions were estimated for subjects with at least one remaining tooth. Clinical attachment levels at six sites of all teeth present were measured. A change in loss of attachment of 3 mm or greater in 1 year at each site was defined as periodontal disease progression. Data were analysed in subjects for whom data were available for 4 years.

RESULTS

Serum albumin concentration at baseline ranged from 3.4 to 5.0 g/dl with a mean of 4.3+/-0.2. When the analysis was stratified by smoking status, we found that serum albumin concentration had a significant effect on periodontal disease progression among non-smokers (standardized regression coefficient=-0.16; p=0.017), using multiple regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest that serum albumin concentration is a significant risk predictor of periodontal disease progression among elderly non-smokers.