Increased periodontal inflammation in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objectives: To evaluate possible differences in periodontal inflammatory, microbiological and clinical parameters between women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Materials and methods: Fifty-six women (32 test (PPROM) and 24 controls (uncomplicated pregnancies)) were examined at three time-points (T1: gestational weeks 20-35, T2: within 48h after parturition, T3: 4-6weeks after parturition). The examinations included assessment of the Periodontal Screening Index, collection of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival as well as vaginal bacterial sampling. Results: Periodontal inflammation was found to be higher in the test compared with the control group (p 0.05) in prevalence of bacteria, but a decrease in subgingival periodontopathogens from T1 to T2 in the test group (p 0.05). In women with PPROM, GCF levels of IL-8 (p < 0.05) and C-reactive protein (p < 0.05) were lower and IL-10 levels higher (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Conclusions: Periodontal inflammation is elevated during pregnancy and seems to be more pronounced in women with PPROM. Clinical relevance: The findings of the present study revealed an association between periodontal inflammation and PPROM, thus emphasizing the importance of optimizing self-performed oral hygiene in pregnant women