Relationship between preeclampsia and periodontal disease

Background and aims. Preeclampsia is one of the causes of mother and newborn mortality; however, the exact etiology has not been identified despite an extensive body of literature. This study was performed to assess whether there is a relationship between the preeclampsia and periodontal disease.Materials and methods. Sixty pregnant women were allocated to case (with preeclampsia) and control (healthy) groups in this analytical study. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical probing depth (CPD), gingival recession (GR) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured in both groups. The evaluations began at delivery till 24 hours postpartum with the patient’s informed consent. Data were analyzed using independent t-test for comparing mean values of groups with the Microsoft Excel software.Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the studied parameters between groups (P > 0.05). Gingival recession was seen in only one case.Conclusion. Within the limits of this study, no relationship was found between preeclampsia and periodontal disease. More research with more sophisticated and precise methods to screen preeclamptic patients and monitor the preeclampsia is suggested.