ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL PERIODONTAL MODIFICATIONS IN JUVENILE DIABETES

Aim of the study The main goal of our study was to highlight the changes of preclinical and clinical periodontal status indices in a group of children and teen-agers with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). Material and methods For objectifying our purpose 60 children, aged 7 to 18 years divided into three groups of 20 subjects each were examined: control group - children without diabetes, with good general condition, but with varying degrees of periodontal involvement, IDDM batch with good metabolic control (HbA1c ˂7,5%) and IDDM group with poorly metabolic control (HbA1c ˃7,5%). On all these subjects the following parameters were assessed: plaque index - Quigley-Hein (QHI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment loss (CAL). The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume from mesial sites of the incisors and first permanent molars was also evaluated. Results Our results show no significant differences in plaque index values between control and diabetic groups. Statistically significant differences were recorded when considering gingival index, higher values being recorded in children with IDDM and especially those with poorly controlled metabolic control, compared to control group. Clinical attachment loss registered augmented levels in children with IDDM compared to the control group, and in terms of measuring the GCF volume, values have been found significantly elevated in diabetics compared to control group, the largest being recorded in poorly metabolic controlled diabetic children and teen-agers. Conclusions Among the values of the evaluated indices, the highest increases were observed with parameters associated to significant inflammation, GI and GCF volume respectively. Our results are consistent with scientific literature in the field that claims inflammation as a major mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of both disorders: periodontal disease and diabetes.