Evaluation of Relationship between Maternal Periodontal Status and Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present case control study was to evaluate the association between maternal periodontitis and preeclampsia. Objectives: To evaluate following periodontal parameters in women with preeclampsia & to compare them with non-preeclamptic women. 1. Bleeding on probing, 2 .Probing depth, 3. Clinical attachment level MATERIAL AND METHODS: Initially 310 women were included in the study and their periodontal parameters were assessed followed by retrieval of their demographic and medical data from the medical records. The women were divided into a control group (280 non preeclamptic women who gave birth to infants with adequate gestational age) and a case group (30 preeclamptic women). Further 30 preeclamptic women were matched according to primiparity to 30 non preeclamptic women randomly selected from the control group. Maternal periodontitis was defined as PD ≥ 4mm and CAL ≥ 3mm at the same site in atleast four teeth. RESULTS: Maternal periodontitis (odds ratio 13.5) was associated with preeclampsia. Maternal periodontitis also remained associated with preeclampsia after matching for primiparity (odds ratio 9.33). CONCLUSION: Maternal periodontitis is a risk factor associated with preeclampsia, emphasizing the importance of periodontal care in prenatal programs.