(PR12) Relationship Between HbA1c and Short-Term Healing of Periapical Lesions After Root Canal Treatment: An Interim Analysis

Abstract: Over 30 million Americans are living with diabetes and over 90 million are prediabetic which predisposes them to type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. High levels of blood glucose have been shown to inhibit macrophage functions that lead to delayed dental pulp and periapical tissue wound healing. The purpose of this clinical investigation was to examine the relationship between HbA1c level and short-term healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment. Fifty-nine participants from the postgraduate endodontics clinic at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry were enrolled in this clinical research study. After endodontic treatment, standardized digital periapical radiographs were taken using a custom jig and blood samples drawn for HbA1c analyses. To assess short-term healing, participants returned after 6-months for a radiograph and blood draw. Two calibrated endodontists scored periapical lesions using the periapical index (PAI). Kappa-analysis determined inter-rater agreement. Spearman’s rho and logistic regression evaluated the relationship between HbA1c and other variables with healing. Thirty-eight of 59 participants were recalled 6-8 months after initial treatment. There was a significant correlation between healing and HbA1c level (rs=-.52, p≤.0001), age (rs=-.44, p≤.003), recall days (rs=.29, p≤.036), and cardiovascular status (rs=-.34, p≤.018). A final logistic regression showed a significant relationship between HbA1c level and short-term healing of periapical lesions (R=.62, p≤.05). There was significant negative correlation between HbA1c levels and short-term healing of periapical lesions after non-surgical root canal treatment.