Coefficient of variation of red cell distribution width has correlations to periodontal inflamed surface area in non-obese hypertensive patients.

Aims: To test the hypothesis that higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) positively correlates with the coefficient of variation of red cell distribution width (RDW-CV) in non-obese hypertensive patients.

Materials and methods: Hypertensive subjects aged between 40-60 years with and without periodontitis were enrolled for the study. They completed a structured questionnaire that included gender, height, weight, and other variables. Body mass index was calculated to exclude obese individuals. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. PISA was calculated, and participants were divided into four groups: Group 1: Non-hypertension without periodontitis, Group 2: Non-hypertensive with periodontitis, Group 3: Hypertensive without periodontitis, and Group 4: Hypertensive with periodontitis. The hematologic evaluation included red cell distribution width analysis.

Results: ANOVA showed age and diastolic blood pressure were significantly related to RDW-CV at p < 0.001. Periodontal parameters showed significant association with RDW-CV in both hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups at p < 0.001. Pearson correlation test showed a significant association between RDW-CV and PISA. Multivariate regression models showed PISA to be a significant predictor for RDW-CV in the periodontitis group compared to a non-periodontitis group.

Conclusions: The increase in the RDW-CV in the periodontitis group in both hypertensive and non-hypertensive indicates the independent role of increased inflammation on pathogenic alteration of red cell morphology.