Serum Creatinine Levels Across Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease and its Impact on Periodontal Health

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by a decline in renal function, which is often assessed through serum creatinine levels. Periodontal disease is a common comorbidity in CKD patients, potentially worsening systemic inflammation and further impairing kidney function. Objective: To assess the varying levels of serum creatinine in CKD patients and their impact on periodontal health. Methods: A descriptive comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Sharif Medical and Dental College Lahore, including 50 CKD patients. Data on serum creatinine levels, CKD stage, and sociodemographic factors were collected using a structured proforma. Periodontal health was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Ethical approval was obtained (No. SMDC/SMRC/100-19), and informed consent was secured from all participants. Patients aged 18 and above with CKD, irrespective of the stage, were included, while those with other systemic illnesses or on medications for conditions other than CKD were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test in SPSS version 25, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results: The study included 50 individuals with a mean age of 45.26±16.799 years (52% males, 48% females). Serum creatinine levels varied significantly across CKD stages (p=0.001), with mean ranks of 6.55 for stage 3, 19.32 for stage 4, and 34.38 for stage 5. Significant differences were also observed across periodontal health categories (p=0.042), with mean ranks of 5.75 for healthy periodontium, 18.00 for bleeding gums, 31.63 for calculus, and 25.50 for pocket depth of 4-5mm. Conclusion: Serum creatinine levels were highest in stage 5 CKD patients and those with severe periodontal disease. These findings underscore the importance of integrating periodontal health management into the overall care of CKD patients to potentially reduce systemic inflammation and improve outcomes.