Association between periodontitis and serum c-reactive protein levels.

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Systemic Inflammation
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Periodontal disease is associated with increased bacterial load and systemic inflammation.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key marker of systemic inflammation.
• The relationship between periodontitis and serum CRP levels requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between periodontitis and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
• To determine if periodontitis is a risk factor for elevated CRP.
• To explore the systemic impact of periodontal infection.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 100 individuals, categorized by serum CRP levels (normal <3 mg/l or altered).
• Data collection included questionnaires (social, biological, behavioral) and blood tests for CRP.
• Periodontal assessment involved probing depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level measurements.

Main Results:

• Individuals with altered CRP levels exhibited a higher prevalence of periodontitis (p=0.008).
• Periodontitis was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of presenting altered CRP levels (OR=3.27, CI=1.42-7.52, p=0.005).

Conclusions:

• Elevated C-reactive protein levels in individuals with periodontitis support the link between periodontal infection and systemic inflammation.
• This finding corroborates clinical evidence of the systemic impact of periodontal disease.
• Periodontal health may play a role in managing systemic inflammatory conditions.