Objectives: To assess plasma C-reactive protein levels in pregnant women with chronic periodontitis and in periodontal health and to compare the incidence of preterm delivery in pregnant women having chronic periodontitis and in periodontal health.
Materials and Methods: A total of 122 pregnant women aged 18 years and above with gestational age < 26 weeks were recruited and divided into two equal groups (control group, study group) of 61 each. Blood samples were taken from both the groups to determine the serum C-reactive protein.
Results: The mean value of C-reactive protein levels in subjects having chronic periodontitis was higher compared to control group i.e., 2.462±0.318 compared to 1.307±0.361 (P < 0.001). The incidence of preterm delivery (<37 weeks) was 82% in the chronic periodontitis group (study group) compared to 3.3% in the control group (P < 0.001). The incidence of low birth weight (<2500g) was 45.9% in chronic periodontitis (study group) compared to 14.8% in the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings from the study suggest that periodontal disease in pregnant women is associated with increased C-reactive protein levels in pregnancy. Incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight infants is higher in pregnant women with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls.
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