RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that chronic periodontal infection may be associate with preterm births and low birth weight. The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in saliva samples of pregnant females as a possible marker in determining whether or not an association exists between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the relation between the periodontal health status and preterm low birth weight of the new born on the basis of salivary IL-17 levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study included a random sample of 40 female patients, aged 18 to 35 years, who were in their second trimester, assigned to two groups, Group 1 consisted of 20 pregnant females without periodontitis, Group 2 included 20 pregnant females with periodontitis. Saliva samples were obtained in the second trimester and postpartum. Saliva samples were measured by using ELISA for IL-17 levels. RESULTS: IL-17 levels in saliva were significantly higher in Group 2 than that of Group 1(p < 0.001). There was no significant difference found between the preterm and low birth weight cases and periodontitis. CONCLUSION: This study did not find any association between the periodontitis and preterm deliveries and low birth weight cases on the basis of IL-17 levels in saliva.
