Periodontal Disease as a Risk Factor for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. A Systematic Review

Background: Recent studies have implicated a variety of infections, including periodontal diseases, as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes such as prematurity and low birth weight.

Rationale: A number of studies have shown that bacterial vaginosis is related to preterm and/or low birth weight (PT/LBW), which continues to be a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. It is also possible that other infectious processes, including periodontal diseases, contribute to PT/LBW. This systematic review examines the literature to determine the possible relationship between PT/LBW and periodontal diseases.

Focused Question: Does prevention/control of periodontal disease as compared to controls have an impact on the initiation/progression of adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Search Protocol: MEDLINE, pre-MEDLINE, MEDLINE Daily Update, and the Cochrane Oral Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify published studies that related variables associated with PT/LBW and periodontal disease. Searches were performed for articles published through October 2002.

Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), case-control, and cohort studies were included. Study populations included mothers, with or without periodontal disease, who gave birth to preterm and/or mature infants. The interventions considered included all forms of periodontal therapy.

Exclusion criteria: Only studies on humans were included.

Data Collection and Analysis: Due to study heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible.

Ann Periodontol 2003;8:70-78