Influence of maternal periodontal health as a risk factor for low‑birth‑weight infants in Terai population of Nepal
Volume 9, Issue 11, November 2019, Pages 1-6
. Sartaj Singh Wazir, . Pallak Arora, . Snehashish Ghosh, . Vasuda Bhagat, . Suchi Khurana, . Swagat Mahanta
Abstract BACKGROUND: Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) is a leading perinatal problem in developing
countries. PLBW is considered as a leading cause of neonatal death in the 1st year of life, with problems
in childhood and adulthood. Several studies have suggested a possible relationship between PLBW
and periodontal status of the expectant mothers. The present study was conducted to determine the
association between the maternal periodontitis and the low birth weight (BW) of the babies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 200 primipara mothers ranging between
18 and 35 years old, with a mean age of 23.96 years. The mothers were categorized based on the
weight of the infants as cases (BW <2500 g) and as controls (BW ≥2500 g). Age, mean weight,
height, body mass index, and periodontal status of the mothers as well as weight of the babies were
recorded. Periodontal parameters were assessed using the community periodontal index (CPI). The
data were recorded, analyzed, and statistically compared using the Chi‑square test (χ2
).
RESULTS: BW of the babies was regressed against CPI. Periodontitis was significantly associated
with decrease in BW of the babies (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: Our findings showed an association of maternal periodontal disease with PLBW that
emphasizes to promote good oral hygiene of the expectant mothers during routine prenatal visits.