Association between preterm birth and low birth weight and maternal chronic periodontitis: A hospital-based...

Periodontal diseases (PDs) are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting overall oral functions, and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) has been an area of interest since the late 90s.

The present hospital-based case-control study aimed to find any association between maternal chronic periodontitis (CP) and preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) by comparing the periodontal parameters in patients with normal birth, PTB and LBW.

The participants of the study were females that had delivered a live baby (n = 1,200). They were classified as either cases or controls. The cases were defined as PTB if the delivery was before 37 weeks of gestation, and as LBW if the infant weighed <2,500 g. The others were controls. The intraoral examination, which included recording the periodontal status, was conducted within 3 days of delivery. Detailed medical history and demographic data were recorded for the determination of the confounding factors. The multivariable dependence of PTB and LBW on both the categorical and continuous data was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of PTB and LBW were calculated.

A strong association with PTB was found for a high plaque index (PI) score (AOR = 1.61; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.26-2.07) and a mean pocket probing depth (PPD) ≥4 mm (AOR: 4.32; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 3.09-6.02). A strong association with LBW was found for a high PI score (AOR = 2.02; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.43-2.83) and a mean PPD ≥4 mm (AOR: 8.70; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.01-12.59). A high PI score and a mean PPD ≥4 mm were independent risk factors for PTB and LBW.

The presence of deep pockets and inadequate plaque control in pregnant females increased the risk of APOs.