Revision of the early-onset periodontitis into the homogeneous phenotypic subsets

조기발병형 치주염의 균질성 표현형 소집단으로의 재분류

The present study has been performed to revise the forms of early-onset periodontitis(EOP) into the homogeneous phenotypic subsets by cluster analysis using sets of clinical parameters. Retrospective radiographic interproximal alveolar bone levels were measured from cemento-enamel junctions on patients who have previously been diagnosed as having one of EOP during last 5 years. Mean interproximal bone levels(BL) and mesial bone level(Ratio) of 1st molars relative to mean interproximal bone levels of adjacent teeth(lst and 2nd premolars and canines)were calculated on each patient. Using parameters BL and Ratio(BR group) or BL, Ratio and age(BRA group), cluster analysis was performed to revise EOP patients into homogeneous subsets. At least three or four cluster could be homogeneously formed both in BR or BRA groups with statistically significant differences in parameters used among clusters as evidenced by MANOVA test. It was shown that the greater the BL, the smaller the Ratio was. It was also evident that mean interproximal bone levels were lowest aroud 1st molars and/or incisors regardless of cluster types. The results has provided cluster-based studies for identifying laboratory markers responsible for the development of EOP subsets.