ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the link between periodontal disease in pregnant women and preterm labour or low-birth- weight
Subjects and methods: The study included 50 mothers who delivered at term and 45 mothers who delivered preterm. All participants were subjected to full general, obstetric, and ultrasound examination upon admission to labour unit. After delivery, recording the weight of all newborn infants was done within 48 hours of delivery, dental examination of all participant women to detect evidence of clinical periodontitis which was defined when there are 4 or more teeth with one or more sites with probe depth [PC] > 4 mm and with clinical attachment loss [CAL] >/= 3mm at the same site
Results: The group of women with preterm labour showed significantly higher prevalence of clinical periodontitis in comparison with those who delivered at term [42.4% vs. 20%, P=0.034]. Among criteria of periodontal disease, only "CAL" and percentage of sites with [CAL] >/= 3mm were significantly higher in the group with preterm labour. There was significant negative correlation between "CAL" and prevalence of periodontitis and both gestational age [weeks] r=-0.459, r=-0.516 respectively and neonatal birth weight [gms] r=-0511, r=-0.445 respectively. The mean of [CAL] was significantly higher [1.71 +/- 0.4] in low birth weight group than in the group with normal birth weight [1.53 +/- 0.33] p=0.020
Conclusion: Maternal periodontitis may be a considerable risk factor for preterm delivery and low birth weight
ABSTRACT
Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory property. Thus, the present study was carried out to evaluate the possible effects of omega-3 fatty acids on clinical parameters and gingival tissue levels of the PGE[2]and PGF[2][alpha] in patients with chronic periodontitis. 12 patients received 1 gm capsules of omega-3 fatty acids, 3 times per day for 3 months plus full mouth scaling and root planning [SRP]. Another 12 patients [control group] received SRP alone. After one week from SRP session [base line] the medication started and the gingival tissue sample was taken during modified widman flap surgery for biochemical analysis. The clinical parameters and biochemical measurements were carried out at the base line and after 3 months. The results showed a significant reduction in the levels of PGE[2] and PGF[2] [alpha] after 3 months of treatment. Also, PI, GI scores, PD and CAL decreased significantly. Consequently, omega 3 fatty acids may provide new insight and safe adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis
ABSTRACT
Recurrent aphthous ulceration [RAU] is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by re- current self-limiting ulceration of the non-keratinized mucosa. It is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the population. The rate of recurrence varies from a 3 to 4 times/year to as frequently as: several episodes monthly. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1] is essential for the adhesion and transendothelial migration of leukocytes into the oral tissues and the subsequent resulting tissue damage occurring in RAU. Several reports document the negative association between smoking and the occurrance of RAU. Smoking was reported to affect the emigration of the leukocytes which involves the expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of endothelial cells and its release into the circulation in a soluble form [sICAM-1]. The purpose of the present study was to compare the serum level of sICAM-1 in smokers and non-smokers with and without RAU, Levels of sICAM-1 were quantified by a sandwich ELISA assay. Serum levels of sICAM-1 were significantly higher in smokers without RAU versus those of non-smokers without RAU and non-smokers with RAU [P<0.001]. In conclusion, the raised serum level of sICAM-1 in smokers may be causally related to the negative association between smoking and the occurrance of RAU