Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Heart Transplant Patients

Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Heart Transplant Patients With and Without Periodontitis

Inflammation plays a key role in the deterioration of chronic heart transplants. Periodontal disease is not limited to the tooth-supporting structures - it also contributes to systemic inflammation. This study explored whether periodontitis is associated with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in heart transplant patients.

The study included 33 patients who had undergone heart transplantation at Baskent University Hospital. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and blood samples were collected on the same day to measure serum hs-CRP.

Of the 33 patients, 9 (27.3%) had periodontitis, 4 (12.1%) were periodontally healthy, and 20 (60.6%) had gingivitis. Serum hs-CRP was significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in the healthy and gingivitis groups (P = .006). hs-CRP also correlated positively with probing depth (r = 0.358; P = .041), clinical attachment level (r = 0.352; P = .045), and gingival recession (r = 0.422; P = .014).

Elevated hs-CRP in heart transplant patients was associated with periodontitis, supporting the value of regular periodontal visits after transplant.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients who underwent heart transplant procedures at Baskent University Hospital