Influence of maternal periodontitis on adverse pregnancy outcome: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Adverse pregnancy outcome is due to deviation from the normal physiological and
immunological process. There is conflicting evidence in support of maternal periodontitis as a risk
factor for preterm low birth weight (PTLBW). Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate
the correlation between PTLBW and periodontitis in postpartum mothers based on clinical and
microbiological parameters.
Materials and Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted. A total of 103
women with singleton births were included in the study, which was divided into two groups,
i.e., Group I‑PTLBW and Group II‑normal term normal birth weight (NTNBW). Clinical parameters
such as oral hygiene index simplified, gingival bleeding index (BOP %), periodontal probing depth
(PPD) and and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded on the next day of postpartum. Two
samples from each group, i.e., placental extract and the subgingival plaque were collected and
transported to the laboratory in an anaerobic medium for microbiological analysis. The statistical
analysis was performed using an unpaired t‑test and Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U‑test. The P < 0.001
was considered statistically significant.
Results: PTLBW group showed significantly higher amounts of periodontal destruction in terms
of clinical parameters. The pathogens were also in higher quantities in the PTLBW group compared
to the NTNBW group.
Conclusion: Periodontitis is related to PTLBW in pregnant women of the studied population.
Maternal oral hygiene status delivering PTLBW babies are compromised compared to mothers
delivering NTNBW babies. Hence, periodontitis during pregnancy phase is an important health
concern for the growing fetus.
Key Words: Low birth weight, Parvimonas micra, periodontitis, premature birth, Veillonella