title: Comparative Evaluation of C-reactive Proteins in Pregnant Women with and without Periodontal Pathologies: A Prospective Cohort Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inflammation of tooth supporting structures is referred to as periodontitis. C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels are usually increased in case of chronic inflammatory process like periodontitis. Association of CRP with pregnancy has been observed in the past, which includes most commonly preterm delivery, preeclampsia, etc. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that CRP may act as a link between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hence, we aim to evaluate the plasma CRP levels in pregnant women with and without periodontal pathologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 210 pregnant women who reported to the hospital with periodontal problems and for routine checkups. All the patients were divided into three groups based on the presence and absence of periodontal pathologies. Russell's Periodontal Index Score was used for the evaluation of periodontal status of the subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While comparing the mean CRP levels in all the three study groups, statistically significant results were obtained. Statistically significant results were obtained while comparing the mean CRP levels in group C patients before treatment and after treatment therapy. The CRP levels were estimated by taking blood samples. Paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the correlation between the two parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Casual association might exist between the CRP levels and periodontal diseases in pregnant women and the CRP levels may also get elevated in pregnant women.
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Periodontics, Triveni Institute of Dental Sciences Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, Phone: +918109838589, e-mail: padmakanthm2012@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Padmakanth
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mannava
authors.affiliation: Deparment of Periodontology, Vaidik Dental College and Research Centre, Daman, India.
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gokhale
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, PDU Dental College, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Sudarshan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pujari
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Krishna P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Biswas
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sarjug Dental College, Darbhanga Bihar, India.
authors.forename: Satish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaliappan
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, MS Ramaiah Dental College Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Shashank
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vijapure
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
keywords: C-reactive proteins; Periodontitis; Pregnant.