Comparison of red blood cell parameters in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies suggest that chronic periodontitis can lead to a decrease in levels of red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration. Smoking is an established risk factor for periodontitis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the various parameters of RBC in the subjects with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 77 males with chronic periodontitis were divided into 38 nonsmokers (group I) and 39 current smokers (group II). Clinical parameters recorded were probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Laboratory blood investigations included hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. RESULTS: In group II probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly higher than in group I. The RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume were significantly lower in group II compared to group I. While the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were comparable in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Smoking may have an effect on levels of various RBC parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.