The effect of phase-I periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcome in chronic periodontitis patients

Recent studies have shown periodontal diseases (gum diseases) as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as prematurity and low birth weight. Objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with periodontitis and to detect IgM and IgG status in cord blood during delivery. A total of 20 pregnant women in their 2nd trimester and associated with chronic generalised periodontitis were selected and recruited for the study. They were grouped into two: Group 1 (treatment group) and Group 2 (control). Periodontal parameters of all the subjects were recorded at baseline and after delivery. Data related to weight of the infant and type of delivery was recorded. During the delivery, cord blood was collected for the estimation of IgM and IgG antibodies. All the recordings were subjected for statistical analysis. The study concluded that maternal periodontitis was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.