Periodontal Status and Hyperlipidemia: Statin Users vs. Non-Users.

Abstract

Background: The association between serum lipids and periodontal disease has been studied predominantly in chronic periodontitis patients with limited data available regarding periodontal status of hyperlipidemic subjects. Meanwhile, the impact of statins on the periodontal health of the population also remains largely under-explored. This study aims to assess the periodontal status among hyperlipidemic subjects and statin users. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 94 hyperlipidemic subjects (50 on statins and 44 on non-pharmacologic therapy), and 46 normolipidemic controls underwent periodontal examination [plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL)]. Biochemical parameters measured included serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Results: PD and GI were significantly higher in non-statin hyperlipidemics compared to normolipidemic [(P <0.001(PD) and P <0.05 (GI)] and statin group [(P=0.001 (PD) and P <0.05 (GI)]. Periodontal parameters between statin and normolipidemic group did not differ significantly. After adjusting for confounders, positive and significant correlations were observed between PD and TG, TC and LDL while CAL shared correlation with TC and LDL. GI was correlated with TG and TC. Regression analyses revealed that while TC was significantly associated with PD (P <0.001), LDL showed significant association with CAL (P=0.013). TG showed significant association with GI (P=0.020). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that relative to the general population, hyperlipidemic subjects are more prone to periodontal disease. Also, within the limits of this study, it may be stated that statins have a positive impact on periodontal health.