To determine the relationship between periodontal disease and upper genital tract inflammation in pregnancy. To determine whether certain fluid levels in the oral cavity and the vagina are associated with preterm birth or low-birth weight.
Patients will be enrolled in the study at their first prenatal visit after the details of the study have been discussed. Potential subjects will be presented with a questionnaire to determine eligibility for the study. The patient will be scheduled for an exam between 18-24 weeks at which time they will undergo a periodontal assessment, to determine the presence or absence of periodontal disease, a sampling of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and a vaginal swab collection. Periodontal disease will be determined by measuring the depth of gingival sulci, amount of periodontal attachment loss, and prevalence of gingival bleeding at six sites for each tooth present.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
To determine the relationship between periodontal disease and upper genital tract inflammation as measured by cytokine levels IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α and MMP levels from the posterior fornix of the vagina.
Time frame: 4 years
To determine whether IL-1β levels in the oral cavity and the vagina are associated with preterm birth or low-birth weight.
Time frame: 4 years
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