Association between C reactive protein serum interlukin 6, and periodontal status as possible risk factors for pre-term labor

ABSTRACT

Pre-term labor often results in pre-term birth Previous studies have suggested that periodontal disease may be an important risk factor for pre-term low-birth weight. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between periodontal clinical parameters, CRP and IL-6 levels in sera of Egyptian pregnant women suffering from pre-term labor. One hundred and twenty-five women were enrolled in this study. Systemic conditions were assessed and serum CRP was evaluated. The women were divided into two groups group I CRP-positive and group II CRP-negative. Serum IL-6 was also evaluated. Periodontal examination included gingival index [GI], probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [CAL]. Gestational age, parity, gravidity, cervical dilation and cervical length, were also recorded. On comparing both groups , there was a statistical significant increase in GI, PD, CAL and serum IL-6 levels in favor of CRP-positive pregnant women. Positive significant correlations were found between all parameters and CAL. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between age and probing depth in CPR-positive pregnant women. In conclusion, preterm Pre-term labor women with positive CRP revealed worsened periodontal conditions and elevated serum IL-6 levels compared to CRP-negative women. The elevated levels of serum CRP and IL-6 could have affected the maintenance of proper uterine-fetus relationship, resulting in premature uterine contractions