C‐reactive protein in patients with coexistent periodontal disease and acute coronary syndromes

Aim: To evaluate periodontal disease (PD) influence on changes in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations in patients with acute coronary syndromes and coexistent PD. Materials and Methods: Dental examinations were carried out in a group of 50 consecutive patients, less than 60 years old, hospitalized as a result of acute coronary syndromes. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of own‐constructed combined PD score (group 2: more advanced; and group 1: less advanced PD) as well as clinical attachment loss (CAL) – group 4: CAL >3 mm; group 3: CAL 3 mm. Blood samples for hsCRP estimation were taken at admission, after 10/12 days and long term after acute coronary syndromes. Results: A statistically significant decrease in hsCRP was observed among three consecutive blood sample examinations in groups 2 and 4, whereas it was only seen between examination 1 and examination 2 in groups 1 and 3. Conclusions: Although no statistically significant difference of hsCRP was found between studied groups, patients with less advanced PD, either estimated with the use of own‐constructed combined score or on the basis of CAL, have significantly longer diminution of inflammatory response monitored with hsCRP concentrations.