Correlation between C-reactive Protein and Maternal Periodontitis – A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Hepatic acute phase proteins are a group of proteins which are produced by the liver when there is inflammation, infection, or stress. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive indicator of systemic inflammation. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the periodontal tissues, may also increase the systemic inflammatory burden. The aim of the study was to assess the connection between serum CRP levels and periodontitis in expectant women. Materials and Methods: Female patients in their second trimester of pregnancy, who visited the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care facility in Jaipur for treatment, participated in this prospective observational study. Serum CRP levels were determined using high-sensitivity immunoassays. Correlation between CRP and periodontal disease severity was analyzed after adjusting for confounders such as age, smoking status, and comorbid conditions. Results: A positive relationship was found between elevated CRP levels and periodontitis ( P < 0.05). Women with moderate-to-severe periodontitis exhibited significantly higher mean CRP levels compared with those with mild or no periodontal disease. Conclusion: Elevated CRP levels were strongly associated with the severity of periodontitis in pregnant women. These results imply that systemic inflammatory burden may be exacerbated by periodontal inflammation, underscoring the significance of good periodontal health in expectant females to reduce inflammation-related risks.