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Clinical and microbiological patterns of adults with periodontitis
K S Kornman1, M G Newman, R Alvarado
1University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Periodontics, San Antonio.
Journal of Periodontology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
This study suggests periodontitis may be multiple diseases. Cluster analysis of clinical and microbial data identified distinct patient groups, supporting varied therapeutic responses in periodontitis.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Periodontitis is currently viewed as a single disease, but emerging data suggest it may represent multiple distinct conditions.
- Limited evidence supports the classification of periodontitis into distinct subtypes in adult patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for periodontitis to be classified as multiple diseases.
- To identify distinct patient clusters based on clinical and microbial findings in a longitudinal field trial.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal field trial was conducted with 221 adult periodontitis patients from private practices.
- Clinical data (plaque, bleeding, bone loss, probing depth) and subgingival plaque microbial samples were collected.
- Cluster analysis was used to evaluate patterns in combined clinical and microbial data.
Main Results:
- Multiple cluster solutions were identified, with a 6-cluster solution explaining significant patient variation.
- Optimal clustering incorporated both clinical and microbial data, revealing distinct patient profiles.
- Clusters differed in plaque levels, bleeding on probing, bone loss, and the prevalence of specific bacterial species.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the theory that periodontitis may encompass multiple distinct disease entities.
- Distinct clinical and microbial profiles suggest varied underlying pathologies and potential for differential treatment responses.