Periodontal indices of patients taking isoniazid and rifampin: a pilot study

A significant reduction in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has resulted from the use of medications such as isoniazid (INH) and rifampin. Unfortunately, there has been a resurgence of TB since the mid 1980s. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of INH and rifampin on periodontal indices of patients with positive tuberculin skin tests (PPD). The gingival index, plaque index, and periodontal scoring and recording were recorded in PPD-positive patients at baseline and 1 month. Control patients received no medications during the study and were evaluated at baseline and 1 month. Mean values for each patient were obtained and analyzed using unpaired t tests (N = 8). Statistically, within the limits of this study, it was found that patients taking INH and/or rifampin had a significant decreased (p < 0.05) in gingival inflammation from baseline.