Definition of aggressive periodontitis in periodontal research: a systematic review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Definition of aggressive periodontitis in periodontal research

T2 - a systematic review

AU - Ramírez, Valeria

AU - Hach, Maria

AU - López, Rodrigo

N1 - This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PY - 2018/3

Y1 - 2018/3

N2 - Since its introduction in 1999, the term aggressive periodontitis (AgP) has been the topic of many investigations. Articles supporting the International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases list several disease features, but do not offer operational criteria for identifying cases. Consequently, considerable variation in the understanding of AgP can be anticipated. Aim: To systematically assess the definitions of AgP reported in original periodontal research. Methods: A systematic review of original research on AgP published in English. Results: The electronic search yielded 833 abstracts. Of these, 472 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were appraised. In 26.5% of the publications, no information on AgP operationalization is presented, but reference is made to another article. In 12.7% of the publications, no information is provided as to how the cases were defined. Many combinations of criteria for case definition were found. Conclusions: This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the understanding and use of the term AgP in original research and poor documentation of the identification of cases. The direction and magnitude of the influence of misclassification and selection bias are unknown, but ought to be considered by the critical reader, professionals and patients using this term.

AB - Since its introduction in 1999, the term aggressive periodontitis (AgP) has been the topic of many investigations. Articles supporting the International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases list several disease features, but do not offer operational criteria for identifying cases. Consequently, considerable variation in the understanding of AgP can be anticipated. Aim: To systematically assess the definitions of AgP reported in original periodontal research. Methods: A systematic review of original research on AgP published in English. Results: The electronic search yielded 833 abstracts. Of these, 472 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were appraised. In 26.5% of the publications, no information on AgP operationalization is presented, but reference is made to another article. In 12.7% of the publications, no information is provided as to how the cases were defined. Many combinations of criteria for case definition were found. Conclusions: This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the understanding and use of the term AgP in original research and poor documentation of the identification of cases. The direction and magnitude of the influence of misclassification and selection bias are unknown, but ought to be considered by the critical reader, professionals and patients using this term.

KW - Journal Article

KW - Review

U2 - 10.1111/jcpe.12853

DO - 10.1111/jcpe.12853

M3 - Review

C2 - 29226356

SN - 0303-6979

VL - 45

SP - 278

EP - 284

JO - Journal of Clinical Periodontology

JF - Journal of Clinical Periodontology

IS - 3

ER -