Date of Award
12-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics
First Advisor
Dr Shafquat Rozi
Second Advisor
Dr Farhan Raza Khan
Third Advisor
Dr. Nadeem Zuberi
Department
Community Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: Maternal periodontitis has gained increased attention due to its potential impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes. The inflammatory processes associated with periodontal disease are believed to play a role in complications such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), which can affect fetal development. Understanding this connection is essential for improving maternal fetal outcomes and developing effective prevention strategies.
Objective: To assess the association between maternal periodontitis and fetal growth restriction among pregnant women. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 136 adult pregnant women at Aga Khan University Hospital, who were at least 32 weeks pregnant, were included. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) criteria were determined based on the Delphi Consensus, and periodontitis was assessed through clinical dental examination. Firth logistic regression was utilized to estimate prevalence odds ratios (POR).
Results: Analysis of the data revealed that pregnant women with periodontitis have 4.12 times higher odds of fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared to those without periodontitis. Additionally, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) appears to have a protective effect against FGR, with prevalence odds of 0.08 and a significant p-value of 0.01. Low maternal education is associated with a 6.96 fold increased risk of FGR compared to high maternal education, with a significant p-value of < 0.01.
Conclusion: It is important to monitor oral health during pregnancy or before conception and to provide timely and appropriate periodontal treatment for all married women of reproductive age, as periodontitis in pregnant women increases the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Early intervention and preventive care ensure that women enter pregnancy with better oral health, reducing risks to both maternal and fetal health. Therefore, periodontal care should not only focus on pregnancy but extend to all women of reproductive age to ensure healthier pregnancies and outcomes
First Page
1
Last Page
79
Recommended Citation
Nizami, N.
(2024). Association between fetal growth restriction and maternal periodontitis among singleton pregnant women at a private tertiary hospital in Karachi – Analytical cross-sectional study. , 1-79.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_pk_mc_mseb/205