Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen Wood, Albert Frydman, Stephen Cox, Rollin Brant, Sheilia Needoba, Barry Eley, Reg Sauve
Primary Institution: Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hypothesis
Is there an association between periodontal disease and spontaneous preterm birth?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that clinical periodontal disease is associated with spontaneous preterm birth, but elevated levels of certain enzymes in gingival crevicular fluid were linked to preterm birth.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 50 cases of women who delivered preterm and 101 controls.
- Clinical periodontal examinations were performed along with enzyme analysis of gingival crevicular fluid.
- Neutrophil elastase levels were significantly higher in cases compared to controls.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether gum disease could cause early births and found that while gum disease itself didn't seem to be the problem, some markers in the gums were higher in women who had early births.
Methodology
A case control study with 50 cases of women who delivered preterm and 101 controls, including clinical examinations and enzyme analysis of gingival crevicular fluid.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as all patients had no symptomatic periodontal disease.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and may not have been powered to detect smaller effects.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly Caucasian (81%), with other ethnic groups including Chinese (6%), South Asian (4%), Aboriginal (2%), and Black (1.5%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.015 for neutrophil elastase association with preterm birth
Confidence Interval
(1.13, 3.28) for neutrophil elastase
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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