The relation between maternal chronic periodontal diseases and preterm low birth weight

Abstract EN

Objective: To investigate the relationship between maternal chronic periodontal disease and preterm low birt weight. Methods: A case-control study was performed on 103 pregnant or post partum women seen at Prenatal Care Clinic i Prince Hashem Hospital in Zarqa- Jordan.

The study group preterm low birth weight cases were defined as a mothf with a birth of < 2500g and with preterm labor (gestational age < 37 weeks), while control group cases were mothei with new born of > 2500g and born after 38 weeks.

Assessment for the known risk factors for preterm low birt weight, such as age, prenatal care, smoking, etc.

was achieved by filling a data questionnaire.

Each subject also receive a periodontal examination to determine clinical attachment loss, probing pocket depth and gingival bleeding on probing Results: The study group preterm low birth weight consisted of 54 cases of which 19 were primiparous, while th control group consisted of 49 cases of which 18 were primiparous.

A statistically significant relationship was foun between preterm low birth weight and clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth fc primiparous and all mothers (p < 0.05).

Also, in spite of adequate prenatal care, mothers tended to have preterm lo1 birth weight.

However, no significant correlation could be drawn with other risk factors. Conclusion: Periodontal disease represents a statistically significant risk factor for preterm low birth weigh However, further studies are required to demonstrate a causal relationship between maternal periodontal disease an preterm low birth weight and to detect whether prevention and treatment of periodontal disease can reduce the incidenc of preterm low birth weight.