Association between gingival crevicular fluid prostaglandin E ₂ level and preterm low birth weight.

BACKGROUND

Periodontal infections, which serve as a reservoir of inflammatory mediators such prostaglandin E ₂ (PGE ₂), may pose a threat to the fetal-placental unit and cause preterm delivery.

AIM: This study was conducted to estimate the PGE 2 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to explore the association between GCF-PGE ₂ levels and preterm low birth weight (PLBW).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty-two pregnant patients were selected for the study. GCF samples were collected from these patients before delivery and again at 1 month after delivery. PGE ₂ level was estimated using a commercially available ELISA kit (Neogen).

RESULTS

The mean GCF-PGE ₂ level was 5.8 ng/ml before parturition and 5.5 ng/ml after parturition, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was negative correlation between PGE ₂ levels and gestational age at birth.

CONCLUSION

The study provides weak evidence that there is correlation between GCF-PGE ₂ levels and birth outcome. Further clinical trials with large samples are required to confirm the association between GCF-PGE ₂ levels and PLBW.