Comparison of red blood cell parameters in patients with and without periodontitis – A hospital based observational study

Dental plaque bio film aggregate around dentition is the primary etiology of periodontitis. The host inflammation mounted in response to bacterial biofilm determines the extent and severity of periodontitis. The low grade inflammation results increase in pro inflammatory cytokine levels, and this links periodontitis with other systemic diseases. Epidemiologic studies have revealed a possible association of periodontitis with some systemic diseases. There are conflicting results regarding the association of periodontitis and anemia. The aim of the study was to compare the red blood cell parameters in subjects with and without periodontitis in our population.A single calibrated examiner was entrusted to do the periodontal examination, and 48 subjects with periodontitis (Group I) and 50 age matched subjects without periodontitis (Group II) with a mean age of 33.45 yrs. +/- 7.86 were recruited for the study. Gingival index and full mouth periodontal charting were done and 2ml blood samples were collected for estimation of blood parameters.Group I showed a statistically insignificant difference in hemoglobin levels compared to group II (P value-0.065) where as MCH and MCHC showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (P value-0.012, 0.002 respectively).The inflammatory burden increases with the severity of Periodontitis and this may lead to the development of anemia.