Objectives: To investigate the association between CRP and periodontitis in a homogenous group of 60-70 year-old Western European men. Methods: A representative sample of the male population of Northern Ireland was examined between 2001-03. A total of 1288 men with 6 or more teeth had a clinical periodontal and physical examination and completed a detailed socio-demographic questionnaire. High sensitivity CRP was measured in serum using an automated enzyme assay and a CRP value of > 3mg/L was categorised as high. Men with 2 sites with loss of periodontal attachment of ³ 6mm and at least one pocket of ³ 5 mm were adjudged to have chronic periodontitis (CP). The Mann Whitney test was used and multivariable analysis was carried out using logistic regression. Results: There was considerable variability in the CRP values. Higher levels of CRP (Median 1.74, IQR 1.82) were present in the men with CP than those with no periodontitis (Median 1.43, IQR 1.32), P=0.0001. High CRP was associated with CP, unadjusted odds ratio (OR) =1.51,95% c.i. 1.11-2.04, P=0.008. The association was no longer significant (OR =1.23, 95% c.i. 0.89-1.69, P=0.21) after adjusting for age and the known cardiovascular risk factors of smoking, BMI and diabetes. In the final model the following factors were significantly associated with high CRP: current heavy smoking P= 0.0003; current light smoking, P=0.01; being overweight P=0.023; being obese P<0.0001. Conclusions: Increased levels of CRP were associated with chronic periodontitis in the homogenous group of 60-70 year old European men examined, however, this association was confounded in particular by current smoking and obesity.
Supported by a grant from the Northern Ireland NHS Research and Development Fund.