Clinical correlations and systemic status in periodontal disease.

Abstract : Clinical and laboratory studies were carried out on 59 experimental and 64 control subjects. In the clinical evaluation, the periodontal score was significantly (P less than .01) correlated with the calculus score, the plaque scol the serum constituents studied, only the free 17-OHCS levels were significantly different between experimental and control subjects. This adrenocortical hyperactivity may represent an anticipatory reaction, particularly since no steroid differences were found that could be correlated with the degree of periodontal breakdown. Results obtained in tests of oral glucose tolerance should be interpe, and the mobility score. Correlation coefficients were .86, .68, and .73, respectively. Of all the serum constituents studied, only the free 17-OHCS levels were significantly different between experimental and control subjects. This adrenocortical hyperactivity may represent an anticipatory reaction, particularly since no steroid differences were found that could be correlated with the degree of periodontal breakdown. Results obtained in tests of oral glucose tolerance should be interpreted with utmost caution because of the many frailties of the procedure. Generally speaking, the method is suitable only for the diagnosis of established diabetes mellitus and should not be used to study less marked alterations in carbohydrate metabolism. (Author)