PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Birte Holtfreter
AU  - Stefanie Richter
AU  - Thomas Kocher
AU  - Marcus Dörr
AU  - Henry Völzke
AU  - Till Ittermann
AU  - Anne Obst
AU  - Christoph Schäper
AU  - Ulrich John
AU  - Peter Meisel
AU  - Anne Grotevendt
AU  - Stephan B. Felix
AU  - Ralf Ewert
AU  - Sven Gläser
TI  - Periodontitis is related to lung volumes and airflow limitation- a cross-sectional study
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.00109112
DP  - 2012 Jan 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - erj01091-2012
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2012/12/06/09031936.00109112.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2012/12/06/09031936.00109112.full
AB  - This study aims to assess the potential association of periodontal diseases with lung volumes and airflow limitation in a general adult population.Based on a representative population sample of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), 1463 subjects aged 25–85 years were included. Periodontal status was assessed by clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), and number of missing teeth (NoMT). Lung function was measured using spirometry, body plethysmography, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Linear regression models using fractional polynomials were used to assess associations between periodontal disease and lung function. Fibrinogen and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated as potential intermediate factors.After full adjustment for potential confounders mean CAL was significantly associated with variables of mobile dynamic and static lung volumes, airflow limitation and hyperinflation (p<0.05). Including fibrinogen and hs-CRP did not change coefficients of mean CAL; associations remained statistically significant. Mean CAL was not associated with total lung capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Associations were confirmed for mean PD, extent measures of CAL/PD, and NoMT.Periodontal disease was significantly associated with reduced lung volumes and airflow limitation in this general adult population sample. Systemic inflammation did not provide a mechanism linking both diseases.