Effect of subgingivally delivered simvastatin in postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives:The defi ciency of estrogen at menopause is a contributing factor that increases susceptibility to resorption due to periodontal infl ammation. Statins have been used successfully in postmenopausal osteopenia. Simvastatin has antiinfl ammatory and antiresorptive properties. This study assessed subgingivally delivered 1.2 mg simvastatin in situ gel in postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 bilateral pockets (≥4 mm) in 20 systemically healthy postmenopausal subjects were randomized as site A and B, which received either the simvastatin in situ gel or placebo gel after scaling and root planing. Site-specifi c indices, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measure ANOVA, paired and independent samples t-test. Results: A statistically signifi cant (P < 0.05) decrease in PD and improved CAL was observed in both groups over 3 and 6 months. The comparisons of clinical parameters showed statistically signifi cant (P < 0.05) improvements in test sites over the control sites. Conclusion: Simvastatin in situ gel showed improvements in clinical parameters and prolonged anti-infl ammatory eff ects. The results encourage the use of simvastatin in situ gel for the predictable treatment of chronic periodontitis in postmenopausal women.