Maternal Periodontitis, Preeclampsia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Background & aim: Preeclampsia is a considerable problem of pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction and placental hypoxia are the current hypotheses for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Chronic inflammation, including periodontitis may provoke systemic maternal and placental pro-inflammatory endothelial dysfunction, which represent a significant risk factor for diseases of vascular origin. So this study was carried out to evaluate the possible relationship between periodontitis and preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 360 pregnant women were included, (180 pregnant women with mild or sever periodontitis in one group and 180 pregnant women with healthy periodontal status in the other group). Periodontitis was determined by the sum of all pockets with pocket probing depth (PPD) ? 4mm and bleeding on probing. Healthy periodontal status was defined as the absence of PPD? 4mm. Then two groups evaluated to determine the presence of preeclampsia. After delivery, weight birth and gestational age was also recorded. Chi square and t test were used to analyze the data. Results: There was statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of preeclampsia development (P=0.003). Women who had a worse periodontal condition were at higher risk for preeclampsia. In addition, birth weight and gestational age was statistically lower in the case group than the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that the development and severity of peridontitis increase the risk for occurrence of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.