A Clinico-hematological Appraisal of Aggressive and Generalized Chronic Periodontitis

Objectives: A total blood analysis is frequently used to assess the presence of infection or inflammation. Various studies have elucidated that periodontal infections affect hematological parameters such as the differential counts of white blood cells, red blood cells, and/or platelets. Early onset of disease, its rapid rate of progression, the nature and composition of associated sub gingival microflora, and a familial aggregation of diseased individuals distinguishes aggressive periodontitis from chronic periodontitis. There is scarcity of data regarding the effects of generalised aggressive periodontitis on erythrocyte counts and other parameters of anemia. The present study is being undertaken to determine whether generalised aggressive periodontitis is associated with reduced erythrocyte counts and reduced hemoglobin levels. Material and Methods: The present study was undertaken in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology. A total of 38 patients participated in this study. Erythrocyte parameters (values of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, red-cell distribution width, platelets, and mean platelet volume) and clinical parameters were recorded. Results: There was a positive correlation between increased values of mean RDW-CV in aggressive periodontitis and generalised chronic periodontitis case in comparison to the control group. No significant difference was observed between the mean values of MCH and MCHC among the three groups, whereas MCV was significantly lowered in aggressive periodontitis patients. Conclusion: More studies on a large scale need to be done in order to find the association of RDW with aggressive periodontitis patients. Keywords: Aggressive periodontitis, chronic generalized periodontitis, hematological parameters, red cell distribution width