[ clinical comparison of Azithromycin versus Doxycycline in non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers]

ABSTRACT

Weaker immune system in smokers reduces the favorable response of these patients to both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments in comparison with non smokers and ex-smokers. The aim of the present study was to compare the healing of periodontal tissues following phase 1 therapy alone, or along with taking Azithromycin or Doxycycline in smokers with chronic periodontitis. In this investigation a total of 45 male smokers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each containing 15 patients. All patients were initially examined by measuring the periodontal indices, such as Bleeding On Probing [BOP], Clinical Attachment Level [CAL], and Probing Depth [PD]. The control. group received phase 1 therapy only. While the second and third groups received Doxycycline and Azithromycin respectively along with phase 1 therapy. The periodontal indices were measured and recorded again after six months. The results showed that, there was a significant difference between all recorded parameters before and after the treatment [P<0.05]. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Doxycycline and Azithromycin groups regarding PD index [P >0.05], but groups receiving antibiotics showed statistically significant reduction in PD compared to control group [P<0.05]. The best result for CAL was obtained in Azithromycin group when compared with Doxycycline and control groups. Also, a statistically significant difference was detected between the two antibiotic groups [P<0.05]. Furthermore. Doxycycline group showed a statistically significant reduction in CAL in comparison with the control group [P<0.05]. Regarding BOP index no statistical significant difference was seen between the results of the 3 groups under investigation [P>0.05]. Azithromycin and Doxycycline consumption along with phase 1 therapy may improve the clinical periodontal indices in comparisons with phase 1 therapy alone