Volume 10, Issue 3 (2025)
SJMR 2025, 10(3): 167-173 |
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Salehi Abri S, Mohammadian H, Sanaye Naderi M. Association between Maternal Gingival Inflammation and Dental Caries with Neonatal Pneumonia and Sepsis: A Case Report. SJMR 2025; 10 (3) : 8
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-360-en.html
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-360-en.html
1- Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
2- Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (100 Views)
Introduction: Gingivitis and dental caries are among the most common chronic oral infections that can significantly affect maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Increasing evidence suggests that oral microorganisms and the associated inflammatory response may enter the maternal bloodstream, reach the placenta, and contribute to complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal sepsis. The present report aims to describe a possible association between maternal oral infection and the occurrence of neonatal pneumonia and sepsis.
Case Presentation: A 40-year-old pregnant woman (G5P2Ab2) at 32 weeks and 6 days of gestation was admitted due to decreased fetal movements. She had chronic gingivitis and multiple untreated dental caries during pregnancy. Because of fetal tachycardia and reduced fetal movements, delivery was performed at 33 weeks of gestation. A male neonate weighing 1980 g was born with severe respiratory distress. Laboratory findings revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and leukopenia (WBC=1500/µL), leading to a diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia and sepsis. In the absence of any other identifiable source of infection, untreated maternal oral infection was considered a possible source of bacterial transmission.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of evaluating and managing oral and dental diseases during pregnancy. Untreated gingival and dental infections may facilitate hematogenous bacterial spread, resulting in serious fetal and neonatal complications such as sepsis and pneumonia. Emphasizing oral hygiene education, routine screening, and timely treatment of dental problems in pregnant women may help prevent these adverse outcomes.
Case Presentation: A 40-year-old pregnant woman (G5P2Ab2) at 32 weeks and 6 days of gestation was admitted due to decreased fetal movements. She had chronic gingivitis and multiple untreated dental caries during pregnancy. Because of fetal tachycardia and reduced fetal movements, delivery was performed at 33 weeks of gestation. A male neonate weighing 1980 g was born with severe respiratory distress. Laboratory findings revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and leukopenia (WBC=1500/µL), leading to a diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia and sepsis. In the absence of any other identifiable source of infection, untreated maternal oral infection was considered a possible source of bacterial transmission.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of evaluating and managing oral and dental diseases during pregnancy. Untreated gingival and dental infections may facilitate hematogenous bacterial spread, resulting in serious fetal and neonatal complications such as sepsis and pneumonia. Emphasizing oral hygiene education, routine screening, and timely treatment of dental problems in pregnant women may help prevent these adverse outcomes.
Article number: 8
Keywords: Gingivitis, Dental Caries, Pregnancy, Neonatal Sepsis, Neonatal Pneumonia, Maternal Oral Infection, Preterm Delivery.
Article Type: Case Report |
Subject:
Pregnancy Care
Received: 2025/10/10 | Accepted: 2025/10/20 | Published: 2025/10/26
Received: 2025/10/10 | Accepted: 2025/10/20 | Published: 2025/10/26
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