Effect of rheumatoid arthritis drugs on severity of periodontal diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontitis

Backgrounds: An association between periodontitis (PD)and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been considered many years ago. RA is considered as an autoimmune disease whereas periodontitis has an infectious etiology with a complex inflammatory response. Porphyromonasgingivalis is a common pathogen in periodontal infection. The specific abilities of P. gingivalis to citrullinate host peptides can induce autoimmune responses in RA through development of anticycliccitrullinated peptide antibodies and trigger autoimmune responses in subjects with RA.The aim of this study was to detect the effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs on Periodontal Parameters in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients with Periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A group of45 rheumatic patients with periodontitis,age ranged (35 – 55) sub divided into 30 patients on routine RA treatment and 15 newly diagnosed patients (haven’t taken treatment yet),.All have been subjected to clinical periodontal parameters registration. Results: strong positive correlation between CAL and the different kind of drugs in the treated group in comparison with non – treated group, methotrexate shows weak positive correlation with G.I, P.P.D at P< 0.05, no correlation reported with CAL and B.O.p., While strong correlation reported between leflunamide and PL.I , G.I at P=0.001, P< 0.05 respectively. Conclusion: An association between RA drugs and severity of periodontitis was demonstrated in regard to bone, plaque and gingival condition which were not related to dexterity loss.