The impact of periodontitis and periodontal treatment on rheumatoid arthritis outcomes: an exploratory clinical trial

Abstract Objective Studies suggest RA patients could benefit from periodontal treatment. However, published data are inconsistent, and there is a need for better-controlled research. Our study aims to address these limitations. Methods In this exploratory randomized delayed-start study, 22 RA patients with moderate/severe periodontitis were subjected to full-mouth debridement. Periodontal and rheumatological assessments, including measuring anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (CCP2) IgG levels, were performed at baseline (V1), 2 months (V2) and 6 months (V3) after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Primary outcome was changes in DAS for 28 joints (DAS28) between V2 and V1. Secondary outcomes were changes in other rheumatological or periodontal clinical parameters (V2 or V3-V1). Results RA disease activity was significantly higher in RA patients with severe periodontitis compared with moderate periodontitis at baseline, with significant positive correlations between several rheumatological and periodontal parameters. After periodontal treatment, RA patients with severe, but not moderate, periodontitis demonstrated significant improvements in DAS28 (ΔV2-V1, P = 0.042; ΔV3-V1, P = 0.001) and significant reduction in anti-CCP2 IgG levels at V3 (P = 0.032). Conclusion Periodontal treatment is locally effective in patients with RA and impacts RA disease activity and anti-CCP2 antibody levels in patients with severe periodontitis. Hence, our data suggest that periodontal assessment and treatment should be integrated in the management of RA patients within a treat-to-target strategy. Trial registration isrctn.com, http://www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN 17950307.