Periodontitis, a marker of risk in pregnancy for preterm birth

BACKGROUND: Why chronic periodontitis may induce an inflammatory response with premature pregnancy termination is unclear. AIMS: (1) To assess if periodontitis predicts premature gestation; (2) to study amniotic fluid cytokines and periodontitis variables in early-stage pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A periodontal examination and collection of amniotic fluid was performed (weeks 15-20) of pregnancy in 36 women at risk for pregnancy complications. Amniotic fluid (bacteria), vaginal smears and intra-oral plaque samples were studied. Cytokine levels in amniotic fluid were studied in relation to other study variables. RESULTS: Periodontitis was diagnosed in 20% of normal and in 83% of preterm birth cases (p60 CFU in sub-gingival plaque and preterm birth was 32.5:1 (95% CI: 3.0-335.1, p<01). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with findings of elevated amniotic fluid levels of PGE2, IL-6 and IL-8 in the 15-20 weeks of pregnancy and with periodontitis are at high risk for premature birth. The implication of this is that periodontitis can induce a primary host response in the chorioamnion leading to preterm birth.