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Preterm low birth weight and periodontal disease among African Americans
Ananda P Dasanayake1, Shirley Russell, Doryck Boyd
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA. AD75@nyu.edu
Insights
African American women with higher antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis had more preterm, low birth weight (LBW) deliveries. Periodontal health during pregnancy is a key factor for infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Periodontology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- African Americans experience disproportionately higher rates of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) deliveries compared to white populations.
- Preterm and LBW infants face increased risks of mortality and long-term health complications.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between maternal periodontal health and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To present data from a prospective study investigating the link between specific periodontal pathogens and preterm LBW deliveries in African American women.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant scientific literature on periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes.
- Analysis of data from a prospective study involving predominantly African American pregnant women.
- Measurement of midtrimester maternal serum antibody levels against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Main Results:
- Maternal clinical periodontal status, bacteriologic, and immunologic profiles are associated with fetal growth restriction and preterm LBW.
- Periodontal treatment during pregnancy has demonstrated a reduction in preterm delivery incidence.
- The prospective study found an association between higher midtrimester maternal serum antibody levels against Porphyromonas gingivalis and preterm LBW deliveries.
Conclusions:
- Maternal periodontal health, specifically antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis, is linked to preterm LBW deliveries in African American women.
- Periodontal disease represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Further research and clinical interventions targeting maternal periodontal health may improve infant outcomes.
Abstract:
African Americans consistently experience higher rates of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) deliveries than do whites. LBW and preterm infants are more likely to die before their first birthday and survivors may suffer from a number of health problems. Therefore, identification of modifiable risk factors for preterm deliveries and LBW has considerable public health significance. Pregnant women's poor periodontal healtlh is emerging as one such factor. Maternal clinical periodontal status and bacteriologic and immunologic profiles related to periodontal disease have been associateted with risk of fetal growth and preterm LBW, and periodontal treatment during pregnancy has reduced the incidence of preterm deliveries. This article reviews the literature on the above association and presents data from a previously published prospective study of predominantly African Americans to show that preterm LBW deliveries are associated with higher midtrimester maternal serum antibody levels against Porphyromonas gingivalis.