Assessment of Levels of Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Patients with Periodontal Pathologies: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: One of the potential sources for the occurrence of various systemic pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases is periodontitis. Testing of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA) is a highly standardized procedure and is becoming increasingly popular these days due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Literature quotes numerous studies associating the peri-odontal diseases with various hemoglobin markers in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Hence, we planned the present study to assess the levels of HbA in patients with periodontitis among nondiabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the present study, a total of 50 nondiabetic subjects who reported to the department with the chief complaint of periodontitis were included. Another set of 50 nondiabetic individuals were included in the present study of comparable age in whom no periodontitis was detected clinically. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation was performed for the selection of the cases for the study group. The patients were sent to the laboratory after the clinical examination, for the testing of HbA. Testing of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of all the subjects and controls was performed and values were noted and evaluated. RESULTS: Nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the mean HbA1c concentrations among the study group and the control group. Nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the mean HbA1c levels among males and females. While comparing the mean HbA1c levels between the study group and the control group divided on the basis of body mass index, nonsignificant results were obtained. CONCLUSION: In nondiabetic subjects, no significant correlation could be observed between periodontitis and HbA1c levels. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The HbA1c cannot be used as a reliable maker for differentiation of patients with periodontal pathologies from patients free of periodontal pathologies.

Prevalence based epidemiological cancer statistics: a brief assessment from different populations in India.

Modern civilization, urbanization, industrialization, changes in daily life, population growth and ageing all have contributed to epidemiological changes in many diseases, including cancer, in India and other countries. Tobacco has been identified as the most important cause of cancer followed by alcohol consumption, dietary practices, inadequate physical activity, infections due to viruses and sexual behavior. The total number of new cancer cases is increasing rapidly, due to growth in size of the population, and an increase in the proportion of elderly persons, as a result of improved life expectancy, following control of communicable diseases. Such changes in the age structure automatically alter the disease pattern associated with ageing and increase the burden of problems such as cancer, cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases in the society. Knowledge based on epidemiological patterns and trends would be of great help in identifying persons at high risk for the development of a particular cancer. Public education on 'tobacco and its health hazards', recommended dietary guidelines, safe sexual practices, and lifestyle modifications form the scientific basis for planning and organizing prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in a community. Moreover, incorporating screening for cervical, breast and oral cancers into the peripheral health infrastructure can have a significant effect on reducing mortality from these diseases. This paper highlights the incidence and prevalence based epidemiological cancer statistics, its early detection and prevention measures in India.