Background: An acute-phase protein found in plasma that reflects a measure of acute phase response to inflammation is C-reactive protein (CRP). Early detection of periodontal disease and its prediction can be used by CRP. There is an association of C-reactive protein with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia intrauterine growth restrictions, and preterm delivery. The present study endeavor to evaluate serum C-reactive protein level in pregnant women with and without periodontal disease and to compare incidence of pre-term delivery in pregnant women with and without periodontal disease .Material and methods This study was undertaken in 40 pregnant women, divided into 2 equal groups of 20 pregnant women within 22nd weeks of gestation; group I (study group) with periodontal disease and group II (control group) without periodontal disease. Blood samples were taken for estimation of C-reactive protein levels from both the groups within 22nd weeks of gestation and were sent for laboratory analysis. CRP levels were determined using Immuno Turbidometry method on an autoanalyzer. Result It was found that the mean value of CRP levels is correlated with high incidence of preterm delivery. Subjects with preterm delivery have high mean CRP values as compared to subjects with normal delivery. Conclusion Increased CRP levels in early pregnancy is associated with periodontal disease in pregnant women. In healthy normal controls the incidence of preterm delivery is lesser comparative to pregnant women with periodontal disease.

Keywords : C-Reactive Protein, Periodontal Disease, Preterm.