Localized aggressive periodontitis in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A case report

Background: Poor metabolic control of diabetes mellitus (DM) has often been associated with the severity of periodontal disease. The aim of this repor t is to present a 9-year-old female with localized aggressive periodontitis who had a history of type 1 DM and the outcome of her treatment. Methods: The patient had received medical, clinical, and radiographic perio dontal examinations. Peripheral blood analysis was done as well. She had no n-surgical periodontal treatment, and medical management of her diabetes wa s performed at the same time. She was followed longitudinally for 5 years. Results: Medical examination revealed no pathological findings except for g rowth retardation. Laboratory tests showed that she had poor metabolic cont rol, with 497 mg/dl fasting blood glucose and 15.6% HbA1c. The random migra tion and neutrophil chemotaxis were significantly reduced. Periodontal trea tment and metabolic control of her diabetes resulted in significant improve ment in her periodontal condition. No incipient periodontal breakdown was o bserved around the teeth after 5 years from baseline. Conclusions: This report proves the efficiency of periodontal therapy in th e prevention of future periodontal breakdown in a systemically compromised patient. It seems that in certain individuals who are predisposed to the ag gressive forms of periodontitis, clinical and medical examinations and inte rvention to the systemic condition, in combination with periodontal treatme nt, are important in the management of these individuals.