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A possible association between preterm birth and early periodontitis. A pilot study.
Márta Radnai1, István Gorzó, Erzsébet Nagy
1Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. radnai@stoma.szote.u-szeged.hu
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|August 18, 2004
Summary
Early localized periodontitis during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preterm birth (PB). This condition was associated with a higher likelihood of PB and lower newborn birth weights in the study.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Generalized periodontitis is a known risk factor for preterm birth (PB).
- The role of early localized periodontitis in adverse pregnancy outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if early localized periodontitis is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 41 cases and 44 controls (postpartum women without systemic disease).
- Preterm birth defined by premature labor, rupture of membranes, or low birth weight (<2500g).
- Data collected on smoking, alcohol, drug use, socioeconomic status, and periodontal status.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between preterm birth and early localized periodontitis (bleeding at ≥50% sites, ≥4mm probing depth at one site; p=0.001).
- The odds ratio for PB in patients with periodontitis was 5.46.
- Newborns in the periodontitis group had significantly lower average birth weights (p=0.047).
Conclusions:
- Early localized periodontitis during pregnancy is an important risk factor for preterm birth.
- Findings suggest a link between localized periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.