Microbial profile of placentas from Tanzanian mothers with adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate microbial profiles in placentas from a population of East African mothers with and without adverse pregnancy outcomes and with regard to their periodontal status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six placentas from pregnant women from Tanzania were classified into three groups according to both pregnancy outcome and the mother's periodontal health. The microbial composition in each group was then compared using 16S rRNA metagenomics. Additionally, placenta specimens were analyzed histologically for chorioamnionitis by a single pathologist blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS: The greatest differences were observed in the group of mothers with periodontitis. The microbial load was low in all three groups of mothers. Periodontitis had a notable influence on the structure of the placental microbiota. Three phyla and 44 genera were associated with periodontitis, whereas only the Tenericutes phylum was associated with the adverse pregnancy variable. Streptococcaceae and Mycoplasmataceae families were associated with both periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Finally, although the differences for chorioamnionitis were not significant, this intra-amniotic infection was more frequent in the placentas from mothers with periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bacteria from the oral cavity may involve the feto-placental unit, and that periodontitis may be a modulating factor of the microbial community present in this niche.

Do the clinical criteria used to diagnose periodontitis affect the association with prematurity?

In recent years, several studies have examined the possible relationship between periodontal disease in pregnant women and preterm birth. One of the difficulties facing these studies is the heterogeneity of the clinical criteria used to define periodontitis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the degree of association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth according to different consensus definitions of periodontal disease. In a study of 146 mothers (60 with preterm births and 86 with term deliveries) at the Sant Joan de Déu Maternal and Children's Hospital in Barcelona, a periodontal examination was carried out within 2 days of birth and the presence of periodontal disease was evaluated using the main clinical classifications published in the literature. The prevalence of periodontitis ranged from 25.4 to 52.1%, depending on the criteria used for its definition. Using the most restrictive criteria, pregnant women with periodontitis had a higher risk of preterm birth (OR: 7.49; p < 0.001) and premature rupture of membranes (OR: 2.49; p = 0.017). Premature infants born to mothers with periodontitis presented a tendency toward low weight, adjusted for gestational age (OR: 3.32; p = 0.065). Our findings suggest that the association between periodontitis and preterm birth is influenced by the definitions of periodontitis used.

Prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in children with malocclusion.

BACKGROUND: The paediatric population has a high incidence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). A notable risk factor is the presence of craniofacial abnormalities. The objective of the study was therefore to survey the prevalence of SRBD in patients presenting for interceptive treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study with a sample of 249 healthy patients. The "Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire" and "Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children" were completed by the children's parents and the results were evaluated. All patients had their medical records reviewed and underwent orthodontic diagnosis by oral examination, as well as dental cast and cephalometric analysis. Finally, we compared the results of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires of 50 patients in the sample. RESULTS: Based on the results of the questionnaires, 22.8% of the study sample had SRBD. No statistically significant correlation was found between SRBD and the anthropometric characteristics and occlusal variables assessed. According to the cast analysis, patients with SRBD had a smaller maxillary width (p<0.003), and according to the cephalometric study, less overbite (p<0.003). Furthermore, the prevalence of SRBD was higher among patients with a history of adenotonsillectomy (p<0.02). Comparison of the results of pre- and post-treatment questionnaires revealed significant differences after orthodontic treatment (p<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to identify the presence of SRBD in orthodontic patients given its high prevalence. Patients with SRBD have a smaller maxillary width and less overbite. Key words:Sleep-related breathing disorders, paediatric sleep questionnaire, cephalometry.