Periodontal Disease is a Risk Factor for Placenta-Mediated Pregnancy Complications

Although periodontal disease is known to be associated with obstetric complications, evidence is limited regarding the relationship with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs), a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study investigated whether periodontal disease is a risk factor for PMPCs.

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of inpatients with singleton pregnancies who underwent perinatal dental examinations at Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital between September 2012 and August 2015. Medical records were reviewed for incident PMPCs, including preterm birth, preeclampsia, small for gestational age birth, placental abruption, and late pregnancy loss. Associations of periodontal disease with PMPCs were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Among 262 inpatients, 130 (49.6%) developed PMPCs. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly higher among women with PMPCs than among those without PMPCs (90.0% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified periodontal disease as an independent risk factor for PMPCs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-5.88). Younger maternal age (<35 years; aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.04-2.92) and a past history of PMPCs (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.47-7.27) were also significantly associated with PMPCs.

Periodontal disease was independently associated with increased risk of PMPCs. Management of periodontal disease during pregnancy may help prevent PMPCs.