Periodontal infection: a potential risk factor for pre-term delivery of low birth weight (PLBW) babies.

Pre-term delivery of low-birth-weight (PLBW) babies is considered a major peri-natal problem in many countries and is contributing substantially to infant mortality and to childhood handicap. There is a reported incidence of pre-term delivery of low-birth-weight (PLBW) babies of 37% of all live births in Pakistan, which has a tremendous impact on health care system in this community. The prevalence of periodontal disease in Pakistan is also very high in all age groups and women of child bearing age (18-34 years) are no exception. Recent studies indicate periodontal infection as a potential independent risk factor for PLBW, and is considered to be 7 times more likely to be associated than any other risk factors. Several postulated mechanisms have been reviewed, including the virulence effects and role of asymptomatic bacteraemia, focusing on the bacterial load in periodontium facilitating its transmission from oral cavity to the uterus. The indication that periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for the delivery of PLBW; a high level of periodontal disease in women of child bearing age and similar high level of PLBW babies in country, calls for further longitudinal investigations that validate a causal relationship between periodontal infection and pre-term delivery of LBW babies in Pakistan. A review of literature and preliminary communication for a planned study is presented.