Evaluation of Serum Anti-Cardiolipin Antibody Titer in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Objective: Evidence shows periodontally infected patients may be at a higher risk of thrombotic accidents and adverse pregnancy outcomes, via induced systemic inflammatory mediators’ production. Some authors have concluded that increase in systemic inflammatory markers occurs together with increase in serum levels of auto antibodies including anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACLA). The aim of the present study was to compare the serum ACLA level between patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients with moderate and advanced CP (test group) and 49 periodontally healthy people (control group) were included in the study. Clinical parameters including PI, GBI, PPD and CAL were measured. Serum ACLA level of all cases was measured using ELISA method. The data were analyzed with Student t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: A significant difference existed in serum ACLA level between test and control groups (P=0.001). All cases in both test and control groups, however, showed a normal range of serum ACLA level. A positive correlation also existed between serum ACLA level and periodontal parameters including CAL, PPD, GBI and PI (P<0.001, P<.001, P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). In addition, a moderately positive correlation (P=0.003) between age and ACLA level was found. Conclusion: An increased serum ACLA level might be associated with chronic periodontitis.