Evaluation Of Relation Between Maternal Periodontal Infection and Preterm Low Birth Weight: A Case- Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Newborns weighing under 2500 gram are referred to as ‘Low Birth Weight’ infants and delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is regarded as ‘Preterm’ delivery. Preterm Low Birth Weight of newborn is a major public health concern worldwide. A number of factors have been attributed to this complication of pregnancy, among which role of remote infection has got popularity recently. Now, periodontal disease is prevalent during pregnancy; and as a chronic infection, it has potential to induce preterm labor. Hence, it is important to introspect for the relationship between maternal periodontal infection and preterm labor; and to aid in prediction and prevention of premature birth.

Aim: To establish a correlation between maternal periodontal infection and PLBW.

Materials and Methods: The case-control study was conducted on 60 post-partum women in Kolkata during 2016-17. Mothers having preterm low birth weight newborn were referred to as cases, while mothers having full term, normal weight newborn were regarded as controls. Within 72 hours of delivery, the mothers were examined for periodontal status (OHI-S, PBI, PPD, CPI), with standard tools and protocols; and data of both group were then compared.

Results: all periodontal indices were found significantly higher in case population relative to control one, indicating that female having PLBW neonates, had worse periodontal status than female with healthy neonates.

Conclusion: There lies a definite correlation between maternal periodontal infection and PLBW.