Estimation of C-Reactive Protein Levels in Chronic Periodontitis

The aim of the study was to assess the level of C-reactive protein in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is marked by chronic infection and inflammation in periodontal tissues resulting in the destruction of alveolar bone with subsequent tooth loss. C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation is a part of the acute phase response to acute and chronic inflammation. Periodontal sub-gingival pathogens affect native and general immune and inflammatory response and causes the liberation of cytokines, this result in periodontal destruction and initiation of acute phase systemic inflammatory response marked by the release of C-reactive proteins.

Patients were selected from those attending the outpatient department of a private hospital and divided into two groups (n=30) Group I-Normal healthy individuals and Group II-Chronic periodontitis individuals. Informed consent was obtained from the patient before sample collection. 3ml of venous blood was collected in plain collection tubes and centrifuged at 3000rpm for 10 minutes. Then serum was separated and analysed to estimate the CRP by Turbilatex Method using ERbA CHEM 5 plus analyzer. Student t test was used for statistical analysis of the data.

The study group showed a significant increase in mean CRP level 7.7 ± 1.25 compared to control 3.12 ± 1.25 (p = 0.001)

The increase in CRP level associated with patients with chronic periodontitis compared to individuals with healthy periodontium may be indicative of the inflammation and hence, CRP may be used as a inflammatory marker for diagnosing periodontitis.