ABSTRACT
Preeclampsia is a considerable problem of pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction and placental hypoxia are the current hypotheses for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Chronic inflammation, including periodontitis may provoke systemic maternal and placental pro-inflammatory endothelial dysfunction, which represent a significant risk factor for diseases of vascular origin. So this study was carried out to evaluate the possible relationship between periodontitis and preeclampsia. A total of 360 pregnant women were included, [180 pregnant women with mild or sever periodontitis in one group and 180 pregnant women with healthy periodontal status in the other group]. Periodontitis was determined by the sum of all pockets with pocket probing depth [PPD] >/= 4mm and bleeding on probing. Healthy periodontal status was defined as the absence of PPD>/= 4mm. Then two groups evaluated to determine the presence of preeclampsia. After delivery, weight birth and gestational age was also recorded. Chi square and t test were used to analyze the data. There was statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of preeclampsia development [P=0.003]. Women who had a worse periodontal condition were at higher risk for preeclampsia. In addition, birth weight and gestational age was statistically lower in the case group than the control group [P<0.001]. The results indicate that the development and severity of peridontitis increase the risk for occurrence of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes