BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that @entity7278 may be associated with preterm births. The authors conducted a prospective study to test for this association. METHODS: A total of 1,313 pregnant @entity1 were recruited from the Perinatal Emphasis Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Complete periodontal, medical and behavioral assessments were made between 21 and 24 weeks gestation. After delivery, medical records were consulted to determine each @entity1 's gestational age at birth. From these data, the authors calculated relationships between @entity2520 and @entity600 , while adjusting for smoking, parity (the state or fact of having born offspring), race and maternal age. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals, or CIs. RESULTS: @entity1 with severe or generalized @entity2520 had adjusted odds ratios (95 percent CI) of 4.45 (2.16-9.18) for @entity3152 (that is, before 37 weeks gestational age). The adjusted odds ratio increased with increasing prematurity to 5.28 (2.05-13.60) before 35 weeks' gestational age and to 7.07 (1.70-27.4) before 32 weeks' gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' data show an association between the presence of @entity2521 at 21 to 24 weeks' gestation and subsequent @entity600 . Further studies are needed to determine whether @entity2521 is the cause. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: While this large prospective study has shown a significant association between @entity600 and @entity2521 at 21 to 24 weeks' gestation, neither it nor other studies to date were designed to determine whether treatment of @entity2521 will reduce the risk of @entity600 . Pending an answer to this important question, it remains appropriate to advise expectant mothers about the importance of good oral health.

XXXX : results of a prospective study.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Patients', 'infant'] @entity3152 :: ('MESH:D007752', 'Disease') :: ['preterm delivery'] @entity2520 :: ('MESH:D010510', 'Disease') :: ['periodontal disease'] @entity7278 :: ('MESH:D055113', 'Disease') :: ['chronic periodontal infection'] @entity600 :: ('MESH:D000014', 'Disease') :: ['preterm birth'] @entity2521 :: ('MESH:D010518', 'Disease') :: ['periodontitis']
@entity600 :: (MESH:D000014,Disease) :: ['Periodontal infection and preterm birth']
