Periodontitis
May Increase C-reactive Protein Levels In Pregnancy
[
Submitted by Dr Andreas Siebold on 2 May, 2006 ]
C-Reactive
Protein might be a plausible mediator of the association between
periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
CHICAGO - Researchers found that
pregnant women with periodontitis had 65 percent higher C-reactive
protein (CRP) levels compared to periodontally healthy women. This study
appears in the May issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
CRP levels are a marker of systemic inflammation and are associated with
periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection found in the gums of
the mouth. CRP has also been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes,
including preeclampsia and preterm delivery.
"Elevated CRP may indeed be caused by periodontal infection and
inflammation." said Dr. Waranuch Pitiphat, Department of Community
Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
"If this is the case, CRP could amplify the inflammatory response
and ultimately cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Alternatively,
periodontal disease and CRP may share a common risk factor for
predisposing individuals to a hyperinflammatory response. More research
is clearly needed to further our understanding about the association
between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes."
Past studies examining the relationship between periodontal disease and
CRP found that often after standard non-surgical periodontal therapy,
CRP levels decrease.
"This is one more study that really drives home the importance of
taking care of the entire body including oral health," explains
Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. "In addition to this study
about the relationship between CRP and pregnant women with periodontal
disease, previous studies reported that inflammatory effects from
periodontal disease could cause the liver to make proteins such as CRP
that inflame arteries causing blood clots that contribute to heart
attacks or strokes."
Evidence supporting the association between periodontitis and CRP is
based only on studies in men and non-pregnant women. This is the first
study that looked at the association between CRP and periodontitis in
pregnant women. The results of this study are consistent with previous
studies conducted among men and non-pregnant women. CRP was higher in
people with periodontal disease compared to those without disease.
Additional information about periodontal disease and treatment is
available through the Academy's Web site www.perio.org>
, and a brochure entitled Women and Periodontal Diseases is available by
calling 1.800.FLOSS.EM.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of
dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the
American Dental Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kerry Gutshall
The American Academy of Periodontology
Phone: 312.573.3243
Fax: 312.573.3234
http://www.perio.org/
EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional information about the association between
periodontal disease and CRP is available at. A copy of the JOP article
"Periodontitis and Plasma C-Reactive Protein During Pregnancy"
is available to the media by contacting the AAP Public Affairs
Department at 312/573-3243. The public and/or non-AAP members can view a
study abstract online, and the full-text of the study may be accessed
online for $20.00 at http://www.joponline.org/
