Significant association between maternal periodontitis and pre-eclampsia complications - A retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is suspected to play a causal role in adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia, which is a serious complication of end-stage pregnancy. This study investigated the periodontal status of immediate postpartum women with preeclampsia and compared it with women with normal uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth.

AIMS

The primary aim is to determine the risk of association between maternal periodontal disease and preeclampsia. The secondary outcome is determining whether C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a potential mediator of this association.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted during a 1-year period among 200 postpartum women with preeclampsia complications and normal gestation on a 1:1 ratio. All the study participants were examined by a qualified periodontist within 48 h postpartum to assess periodontal status and 5 ml of blood drawn for estimation of CRP levels. This correlation was assessed using Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis by Pearson's Chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation showed 46% of the study population had chronic periodontitis, out of which 7% had nonsevere preeclampsia without complications and 3% had severe life-threatening preeclampsia with complications (odds ratio 2.49, confidence interval 95% = 0.001). Furthermore, both the gestational period and mean birth weight decreased with the increasing severity of periodontitis. The increase in CRP levels was positively correlated, as shown by the one-way ANOVA with both periodontitis and preeclampsia, along with gestational period and birth weight of infants.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for other risk factors, there is a significant association between maternal periodontitis and preeclampsia complications and a significant correlation between increased CRP levels, increasing severity of periodontitis, and mean birth weight. As periodontitis is a treatable disease. severe adverse pregnancy complication like preeclampsia can be prevented with early diagnosis and management of periodontal health.