Comparision of interleukin-1β concentrations in posttreatment endodontic disease and other pulpal and periapical conditions - A clinical study

To evaluate interleukin (IL)-1β concentrations in periapical tissue fluid (PTF) in persistent apical periodontitis requiring endodontic retreatment and to compare the levels of IL-1β with chronic apical periodontitis, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP), normal pulpal, and periapical tissues.

The patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into 4 groups based on the pulpal and periapical status: Posttreatment endodontic diseases (PTED): Teeth with PTED due to failed primary root canal treatment having periapical radiolucency. PNAP: Teeth requiring root canal treatment due to pulpal necrosis having periapical radiolucency. SIP: Teeth with symptoms of SIP with healthy periapical tissues). Intentional root canal treatment (IRCT): Teeth requiring IRCT (healthy pulp and periapical tissues). The access cavity was redefined and the preexisting filling was removed using H-files. The root canals were minimally enlarged followed by collection of PTF using paper points, in the case of group PTED. For groups PNAP, SIP, and IRCT, conventional access cavity preparation was done followed by enlargement of canals till 20, 0.02. PTF was collected using 15, 0.02 size absorbent points 2 mm beyond the apex. Levels of IL-1β was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A statistically significant difference was seen in levels of IL-1β in all the groups. The highest concentration was seen in group PTED (85.07 ± 11.57 pg/mL) followed by group PNAP (37.60 ± 10.94 pg/mL), group SIP (8.40 ± 1.99 pg/mL), and the least was seen in group IRCT (3.47 ± 1.36 pg/mL).

The levels of IL-1β were highest in PETD cases followed by PNAP, SIP, and IRCT. This indicates the severity of inflammation in PETD cases as compared to other endodontic diseases.