Vitamin D in Systemic Sclerosis Patients With Periodontitis

Evaluation Of Vitamin D In Systemic Sclerosis Patients With Periodontitis: A Possible Role In Cardiovascular Disease Risk Progression?

Vitamin D has been considered to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity which may be a link for the known interaction of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and coronary heart disease (CHD). This study investigated the association between serum vitamin D levels and SSc and periodontitis in patients with SSc, CP and with CHD.

Furthermore, the objective was to determine if periodontitis and CHD had an impact on serum vitamin D levels.

Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 42 patients with SSc, 43 patients with CHD, 41 patients with both SSc and CP, and 42 healthy patients were enrolled in the present study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of at least twenty teeth

• CP with a minimum of 40% of sites with a clinical attachment level (CAL)

  ≥2mm and probing depth (PD) ≥4mm;

• Presence of at least ≥2 mm of crestal alveolar bone loss verified on digital periapical radiographs

• Presence of ≥40% sites with bleeding on probing (BOP)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intake of contraceptives
• Intake of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory drugs throughout the last three months prior to the study
• Status of pregnancy or lactation
• Previous history of excessive drinking
• Allergy to local anaesthetic
• Intake of drugs that may potentially determine gingival hyperplasia such as Hydantoin, Nifedipine, Cyclosporin A or similar drugs.