Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Inflammation in Heart Transplant Recipients

Heart transplant recipients frequently exhibit chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, which can contribute to allograft dysfunction and cardiovascular complications. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting tissues, is a modifiable but often overlooked source of this inflammatory burden. This prospective study evaluated whether non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) - comprising full-mouth debridement and oral hygiene instruction - could reduce systemic inflammatory markers in clinically stable heart transplant recipients. Adults who had undergone heart transplantation at least one year earlier and presented with gingivitis or periodontitis underwent a comprehensive periodontal examination and blood sampling for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leukocyte count, hematocrit, and platelet count. Participants then received NSPT, with periodontal and hematological parameters reassessed three months later. Findings from this study may clarify whether periodontal therapy represents a useful adjunctive strategy for reducing systemic inflammatory burden in this medically complex population.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinically stable heart transplant recipient At least one year post-transplantation Diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis requiring non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) No systemic antibiotic use within the preceding six months No periodontal treatment within the previous year Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic inflammatory or infectious conditions that could independently affect inflammatory marker levels Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus Recent active infection requiring antibiotic therapy Periodontally healthy status (no gingivitis or periodontitis)