Periodontitis, dental plaque, and atrial fibrillation in the Hamburg City Health Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259652
• Publication Date: 2021-11-22T18:28:08Z
• Authors: Julia Struppek; Renate B. Schnabel; Carolin Walther; Guido Heydecke; Udo Seedorf; Ragna Lamprecht; Ralf Smeets; Katrin Borof; Tanja Zeller; Thomas Beikler; Christin S. Börschel; Mahir Karakas; Martin Gosau; Ghazal Aarabi
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Stroke; Periodontal examination

Background/Aim Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major health problem and causes heart failure stroke. Pathophysiological mechanisms indicate link with oral including periodontitis (PD), but supporting data are scarce. The aim was to investigate the between features of prevalence AF. Methods This cross-sectional analysis Hamburg City Health Study included 5,634 participants complete on their PD AF status. assessed via self-reported questionnaire or medically diagnosed by standard 12-lead resting ECG. examination full-mouth measurements dental plaque index (PI), clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 6 sites per tooth, bleeding probing (BOP) decayed, missing filled teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive analyses for all variables stratified status were performed. To test an association prevalent AF, multivariable logistic regression models used. Mediation used if interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) mediated Results (prevalence: 5.6%) severity moderate: 57.7%, severe: 18.9%) increased age in men women. Prevalent severe PD, CAL ≥3 mm, PI, BOP associated unadjusted analysis. However, no except PI (odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–1.35, p<0.001) could be observed after adjusting age, sex, high-sensitivity (hs-CRP), (IL-6), body mass index, diabetes, smoking, educational level. Participants brushing least twice daily had lower compared those only once daily. Hs-CRP, IL-6, odds as function grades neither DMFT nor IL-6 CRP sex. not provide support hypothesis that acted mediator Conclusion study shows levels indicated higher PI. In contrast, adjustments several confounders demonstrated. Further studies necessary underlying poor hygiene well influence improved onset.