Periodontal screening of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lower Austria

Programme

Lower Austrian Research Project: Health & Nutrition

Project coordination

Danube Private University; Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ralf Braun and Julia Schwab

Project partners

• Landesklinikum Korneuburg-Stockerau
• FH Wiener Neustadt – Biotech Campus Tulln

Researchers involved at DPU 

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleber
• Dr. Sebastian Sschmidl
• Dr. Julia Thoma
• Students of the DPU Journal Club
• Diploma students in Dentistry

Abstract

Current scientific literature indicates possible parallels in the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Studies suggest that periodontitis may represent a risk factor for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. In recent years, bacteria have increasingly come into focus as key contributors to disease pathogenesis.

Patients are therefore screened using a standardized procedure in dentistry, the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI). Subsequently, a sample is taken from the deepest measured periodontal pocket and later analyzed in the laboratory. The sample is examined using quantitative PCR tests to determine the concentration of Porphyromonas gingivalis (PA) bacteria.

If the hypotheses are confirmed, the study could contribute to establishing bacterial concentration in periodontal pockets as an early warning system for a potential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Through this approach, Lower Austria could become the first region to integrate this type of early diagnostic method into routine dental practice.

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