comparative evaluation of efficacy of subgingivally delivered 1.2% atorvastatin and 1.2% simvastatin in treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial

abstract: background: statins are the recently evolved agents that aid in periodontal regeneration and ultimately attaining periodontal health. atorvastatin (atv) and simvastatin (smv) are specific competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme a reductase. the present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 1.2% atv, and 1.2% smv as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (srp) in the treatment of intrabony defects in subjects with chronic periodontitis. methods: ninety six subjects were categorized into three treatment groups: srp plus 1.2% atv, srp plus 1.2% smv and srp plus placebo. clinical parameters; full mouth plaque index (pi), modified sulcus bleeding index (msbi), probing depth (pd), and relative attachment level (ral) were recorded at baseline before srp and at 3, 6 and 9 months. percentage radiographic defect depth reduction was evaluated using computer-aided software at baseline, 6 months and 9 months. results: both atv and smv showed significant pd reduction and ral gain than placebo. mean pd reduction and mean ral gain was found to be greater in atv group as compared to smv, at 3, 6 and 9 months. furthermore, atv group sites presented with a significantly greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction (33.23±3.11%; 34.84±3.07%) as compared to smv (30.39±3.36%; 32.15±3.37%) at 6 and 9 months. conclusion: atv showed greater improvements in clinical parameters with greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction as compared to smv in treatment of intrabony defects in cp subjects.