Olavegogeascoechea, Pablo Alejandro; Allevato, Jose A.; Olavegogeascoechea, Facundo N.; Contreras, Pablo; Thalasselis, Demetrio C.; Valenzuela, Gabriela; Urdiales, Pedro L.; Brusca, Maria I.
Abstract:
Introduction and objectives: Periodontal disease (periodontitis) and
atheromatous disease share not only risk factors such as smoking and diabetes,
but also a complex multifactorial process of chronic inflammation stimulating
mediators that accelerate endothelial dysfunction and/or mechanisms of cross-
reacting antibodies against the periodontal flora and endothelial cell proteins;
this may explain the association between both pathologies. The aim of our
study was to add evidence about the relationship between periodontal disease
(periodontitis) and vascular disease, using acute vascular events as the primary
endpoint.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted. A total of 30 cases and 32 controls
were included in a non-randomized selection.
Results: The presence of periodontal disease was significantly higher in cases
than it was in controls (70 % vs. 40 %; OR [95 % CI]: 3.41 [1.19-9.76]; p=0.02).
Also, plaque and gingival indexes were significantly higher in cases (PI: 1.74 ± 0.64
vs. 0.99 ± 0.69, respectively, p <0.01; GI: 1.61 ± 0.66 vs. 0.98 ± 0.55, respectively,
p <0.01).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong association between periodontal
disease and acute vascular events, the former having an even greater impact than
traditional risk factors.