The relationship between periodontal variables and disease severity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients

Background: The present study aims to investigate the relationship between certain periodontal variables and severity of disease in COPD patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 50 patients suffering from COPD. Lung function examination, Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, SpO2, and Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) Dyspnea Scale were performed. Periodontal clinical examination index included Probing Depth (PD), Attachment Loss (AL), Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI). A quality of life validated index, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT index) was also calculated. Results: The FEV1 and FVC indices showed a significant negative correlation with PI and AL variables only. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) index showed a significant but positive correlation with PI and AL variables only. The SpO2 index presented a significant negative correlation with GI and AL variables. The FEV1/FVC ratio was found to have a negative correlation with PD and AL variables. It is worth noting that MMRC showed no significant relationship with any of the periodontal variables. The only variable that showed a significant difference (P=0.022) among the three smoking groups was the FVC index. The FVC value was significantly higher in the group who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day versus the non-smoking group (P=0.017). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study in view of the relationship between periodontal variables and respiratory indices in the course of COPD, early treatment of periodontal diseases, may considerably reduce the severity of COPD. Keyword: Periodontal Depth, Periodontal Indices, COPD, FEV1, Periodontal Disease