RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the relationship between periodontal disease and low birth weight (LBW) in a predominantly black population. METHODS: Using the nested case-control design, we evaluated the periodontal pathogen specific maternal serum IgG levels during pregnancy in relation to birth weight, while controlling for the known risk factors for LBW. RESULTS: There was a significant negative correlation (r= -0.37; p= 0.004) between the birth rate of the infant and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) specific maternal serum IgG levels (LBW group - mean/SE 14.73ñ4.67 ug/ml; p= 0.003). Regression analysis indicated that one unit increase of IgG against Pg in the mother resulted in 5.07g decrease in the birth weight of the infant (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Our ability to demonstrate a significant difference in the serum IgG levels, against at least one periodontal pathogen (Pg) lends further credibility to the biologic plausibility of the association between poor periodontal health and LBW, and the temporal sequence of this association. (AU)
