In vivo evaluation of a metronidazole-containing gel for the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis: preliminary results.

Miani, P.; Nascimento, C.; Sato, S.; Filho, A.; Fonseca, M.; Pedrazzi, V.

The present study developed an experimental metronidazole-based gel and evaluated its efficacy for the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis. Sixteen patients were randomly allocated into two groups of eight subjects according to the following proposed treatments: (1) scaling and root planing (active control) or (2) scaling and root planing and direct periodontal intrapocket application of 15% metronidazole-based gel in two sites (≥5 mm in depth) (experimental group). Potential changes in the subgingival microbiota were assessed using a DNA Checkerboard method at three proposed times: baseline and following 7 or 30 days of drug administration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitored metronidazole concentrations in the crevicular fluid during treatment. The metronidazole experimental group presented lower bacterial counts than the control group at the three evaluated times ( p < 0.01 for baseline, p < 0.001 for 7 or 30 days) when the target species were analyzed as a pool of bacteria. Samples revealed significantly lower counts 7 days after drug administration compared with baseline or after 30 days ( p < 0.05). HPLC analysis detected gel 1 h after application. The metronidazole-based gel significantly decreased the total bacterial count at the three evaluated times. Periodontopathogenic species were not different after gel administration.

METRONIDAZOLE; PHARMACEUTICAL gels; PERIODONTITIS treatment; DRUG administration; HIGH performance liquid chromatography

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2012, Vol 31, Issue 7, p1611

0934-9723

Academic Journal

10.1007/s10096-011-1484-7