title: Markers of periodontal infection and preterm birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to explore the relationship between clinical, microbiologic, and serologic markers of periodontitis and preterm birth (PTB).
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared women with a singleton gestation giving birth before the 37th week (cases, n = 83) with term delivery controls (n = 120). Periodontal examination and collection of dental plaque and blood samples were performed within 48 hours after delivery. Microbial levels and maternal immunoglobulin G titers to oral bacteria were analyzed. Multivariate regression models were fitted controlling for common covariates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cases showed greater mean attachment loss (1.7 vs 1.5 mm, P = .003) and higher prevalence of periodontitis (30.1% vs 17.5%, P = .027). No differences in microbial or serum antibody levels were detected between the groups. Logistic regression revealed that PTB was associated with attachment loss (adjusted odds ratio: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.01-7.54). Linear regression indicated a significant ( P = .04) association between attachment loss and low birth weight (LBW).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data support the notion that periodontitis is independently associated with PTB and LBW.
authors.affiliation: Division of Periodontics, Section of Oral and Diagnostic Sciences, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jarjoura
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perez-Delboy
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herrera-Abreu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Alton
authors.forename: Panos N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Papapanou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D015415:Biomarkers; D007074:Immunoglobulin G