ARTÍCULOS ORIGINALES

Validation of an alternative device for volumetric quantification of crevicular fluid

 

Fernanda G. Alencar¹, Giulia C. Kronbauer², Sabrina C. Gomes²

¹ Universidade Luterana do Brasil.
² Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.

CORRESPONDENCE Sabrina Carvalho Gomes Rua Ramiro Barcelos n 2492 Faculdade de Odontologia da UFRGS - CEP 90035-003 sabrinagomes.perio@gmail.com

---

ABSTRACT

The volume of crevicular fluid is directly proportional to the degree of periodontal inflammation. The PeriopaperR system, with readings taken using the PeriotronR, has gained wide acceptance in the literature for measuring this volume. Alternative methods have also been proposed. This study investigated an alternative device for measuring the volume and compared it to the readings taken in PeriotronR Units (PU). Strips of absorbent paper (PS) of the same size as Periopapers R (P) were obtained. Next, previously defined volumes were quantified in PU (R1: P and R2: PS) and also in millimeters (T1: P; T2: PS) using an alternative reading method (ruler and magnifying glass). The mean measurements for each volume were compared (Student’s t test) and no difference was detected between them in PU (R1=66.8 and R2=72.5) or in millimeters (T1=2.83 and T2=2.96). The degree of correlation between groups was evaluated using Pearson’s coefficient, with an intragroup r of 0.98 (R1xT1; R2xT2; R1xT2). Linear regression coefficients were also calculated, finding R1xT1=23.5; R2xT2=26.5 and R1xT2=23.3. The method’s reproducibility was verified using intraclass correlation coefficients, with excellent results - all above 0.96. This being so, it was concluded that it is possible to measure the volume collected in millimeters, with a high degree of reproducibility.

Key words: Gingival crevicular fluid; Validation studies; Periodontics.

RESUMO

Validação de um instrumento alternativo para quantificação volumétrica do fluido crevicular

O volume do fluido crevicular e diretamente proporcional ao grau de inflamacao dos tecidos periodontais. O sistema PeriopaperR/PeriotronR e amplamente aceito frente a sua capacidade de permitir a mensuracao deste volume. Metodos alternativos para medicao do volume do fluido, no entanto, tem sido propostos. O presente estudo investigou um instrumento alternativo (lupa e regua milimetrada) para medicao do volume e comparou-o com a leitura obtida no Periopaper/Periotrom R (R1) e tiras de papel absorvente (previamente validadas e nas mesmas medidas do PeriopaperR) /PeriotromR (R2). Para tanto, volumes, previamente conhecidos, de saliva foram medidos em Unidades Periotrom (UP) para R1 e R2 e em milimetros: T1: PeriopaperR e T2: papel absorvente. Todas as leituras foram realizadas por examinador treinado e cego para os volumes dispensados. As medidas, para cada volume, foram repetidas tres vezes e, na sequencia, foram geradas as medias. Estes valores foram, entao, comparados (Student’s t test). Nenhuma diferenca entre as medias foi observada tanto para as medidas em UP (R1=66,8 e R2=72,5) quanto em milimetros (T1=2,83 e T2=2,96). O grau de correlacao entre os grupos foi avaliado usando o coeficiente Pearson’s, atingindo-se um valor intragrupo de r=0,98 (R1xT1; R2xT2; R1xT2). Coeficientes de regressao linear foram, tambem, calculados, atingindo-se valores de 23,5 (R1xT1); 26,5 (R2xT2) e 23,3 (R1xT2). A reprodutibilidade do metodo foi aferida, atingindose coeficientes de correlacao intra-classe acima de 0,96. Pode-se concluir que e possivel aferir volume por meio de medicao em milimetros, com alto grau de reprodutibilidade, in vitro. Este metodo podera reduzir custos de investigacoes periodontais.

Palavras-chave: Fluido crevicular gengival; Estudos de validacao; Periodontia.

---

 

INTRODUCTION

Gingival crevicular fluid is an inflammatory exudate that follows an osmotic gradient and is similar in appearance to blood plasma. It originates in connective tissues and picks up certain components, such as inflammatory cells produced by the host in response to bacterial aggression and bacterial products during its passage through tissues ^1,-5. There are authors who believe that these components, or a combination of them, may come to serve as markers predictive of disease and of periodontal healing^6-9. Many studies of crevicular fluid and its components have been carried out, prompted by the need for early diagnosis and of assessing the risk of the site/patient losing insertion and to uncover the process of periodontal disease pathogenesis^6-15. Collection and volumetric quantification of CF is a sensitive method for determining the degree of periodontal inflammation. This is because variations in its volume are directly proportional to the inflammatory expression^3,5,16,17. Furthermore, measurements of the composition of CF may be expressed as concentrations, units per volume or absolute values per sample or against time^2,6,10,11. In many cases, therefore, it is necessary to measure the volume in order to report the composition.
This volume can be quantified when collection is carried out by microcapillaries or micropipettes or when strips of absorbent paper are used in combination with the PeriotronR electronic reading machine^1,2,10,16. Some authors have reported their results in millimeters, using ninhydrin to achieve this¹⁸. However, using this stain limits the analysis of the composition of the CF¹⁶. It is important to develop methods for the quantification of CF which meet the clinical requirements for ease of use and reproducibility. Although many collection methods have been proposed¹⁹, none of them has been compared to the reference method. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate a method for reading the volume collected, in millimeters, which would be easy to use, low-cost and which correlates with the reference method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Type of Study: In vitro study. Construction of the standard curve: Three different examiners, blind to the volumes they were testing, carried out the readings in millimeters.

A - Reference Group
Reference Group 1 (R1: Periopaper and Periotron® 8000)
A standard curve was constructed based on known volumes of saliva, starting at 0.1 microliters (μl) and increasing in 0.1 μl increments up to 0.8 μl. Each of these volumes was pipetted three times by a trained examiner using a HamiltonR syringe. Another examiner, blind to the volumes, then measured each of the volumes on three different pieces of PeriopaperR, taking the readings in a PeriotronR 8000 (R) immediately after soaking up the liquid.

Reference Group 2 (R2: Paper strips (PS) and Periotron® 8000):
Initially, standardized strips of absorbent paper were produced (20). A standard curve was then constructed based on known volumes of saliva, starting at 0.1 microliters (μl) and increasing in 0.1 μl increments up to 0.8 μl. Each of these volumes was pipetted three times onto separate PS by a trained examiner using a HamiltonR syringe. Another examiner, blind to the volumes, measured each of the volumes on the PS, taking the readings in the R immediately after soaking up the liquid.

B - Group test Group Test 1 (T1: Periopaper® with measurement in millimeters)
Volumes of saline were pipetted by a trained examiner using a HamiltonR syringe (0.1 μl, with 0.1 μl increments, up to 0.8 μl) onto a glass plate. Another examiner, blind to the volumes, soaked up the volumes using PeriopapersR and then took a reading in millimeters using the alternative reading method. The method employed a magnifying glass (AdeckR, 4 times magnification, 60 mm diameter) and an endodontic ruler (PrismaR). Each of three repetitions of each volume was measured using a separate PeriopaperR, making 24 in total.

Group Test 2 (T2: paper strips (PS) and measurement in millimeters)
Once more, the same volumes of saline were pipetted with a Hamilton syringeR (0.1 μl with 0.1 μl increments, up to 0.8 μl) onto a glass plate. An examiner blind to the volumes, soaked up the liquid using PS (80 gram qualitative paper) and, immediately afterwards, took readings using the same alternative method described for T1. Each of the three repetitions of each volume was also measured using a separate PS.

Statistical analysis
The means of the measurements of each volume were compared using Student’s t test for independent samples, using the PeriotronR Unit (PU) as the standard measurement in groups R1 and R2, and millimeters in groups T1 and T2. Data are presented as total means for each group and 95% confidence intervals. Additionally, the mean differences between the two devices, in millimeters and in PU, with their respective 95% confidence intervals, were calculated in order to estimate the general variability between them. Scatter plots were created in order to illustrate the correlation between the mean results for the two devices when the Periotron R 8000 was used for readings and when readings were taken in millimeters. Simple linear regression models were constructed in order to estimate to what extent T1 and T2 were capable of predicting the reference group. Therefore, linear regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Additionally, in order to test the hypothesis that the volume reading methods correlated, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed by means of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The data analysis was carried out using the statistical package Stata SE 10.0 (Stata Corp.). The significance level adopted was 5%.

RESULTS

Table 1 lists the means of the measurements taken in millimeters and of the values read from the Periotron R, both for the PS and the PeriopaperR. In general, the differences between the groups were small and without statistical significance. For the measurements in PeriotronR units, the difference found between R1 and R2 was 5.7 (2.45 – 8.96). The difference between the measurements taken in groups T1 and T2, in millimeters, was 0.13 (-0.52 – 0.26). The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for the comparison between the reference groups (R1 and R2) and the test groups (T1 and T2) are given in Table 2. As can be observed, the correlation coefficients were high, 0.99 for PU and 0.94 for the measurements taken in millimeters. We also observed a correlation coefficient of 0.98 for groups R1xT1; R2xT2 and R1xT2. The linear regression coefficients (β) correlated significantly (Table 2).

Table 1: Means (confidence intervals), and differences between the means, of the figures in Periotron® units for the reference group (R1 and R2) and in millimeters for the test groups (T1 and T2).

Table 2: Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and linear regression coefficients (β) for reference groups (R1 and R2), in Periotron® units, and for the test groups (T1 and T2), in millimeters.

The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between examiners demonstrated there was an excellent correlation between them: E1xE2 = 0.99; E2xE3 = 0.96; E3xE1 = 0.97 (Table 3).

Table 3: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for means of different examiners, (E1, E2 and E3).

The correlations between the standard curves for groups R1 and R2, PeriotronR units (Fig.1,A) and between groups T1 and T2, in millimeters (Fig.1,B) demonstrated excellent results (r= 0.99; β= 0.94) e (r= 0.94; β0.93) respectively. The correlations between the standard curves for groups R1 and T1 (Fig.2,A), groups R2 and T2 (Fig.2,B) and groups R1 and T2 (Fig.2,C) also demonstrated excellent results (r= 0.98 β=23.5; r= 0.98 β=26.5 and r= 0.98; β= 23.3 respectively).

Fig. 1: A:Correlation between the standard curves constructed for the reference groups (R1 and R2) in PeriotronR units and B: for the test groups (T1 and T2) in millimeters.

Fig. 2: Correlations between the standard curves constructed for the reference group (R) in PeriotronR units and for the test groups (T) in millimeters, using PeriopapersR (R1 and T1) and strips of absorbent paper (R2 and T2) illustrated in A (R1 x T1); in B (R2 x T2) and in C (R1 x T2).

DISCUSSION

The objective of this study was to validate an alternative method for volumetric quantification of crevicular fluid (CF), and the results demonstrate that it was possible to measure previously established volumes, in millimeters, using either Periopaper R or strips of absorbent paper. The volume of CF is measured in order to determine periodontal inflammation levels. This is due to the fact that the volume collected is directly proportional to the degree of inflammation present. Furthermore, according to the literature, it is important to calculate the volume of CF so that its components can be described in terms of their concentrations ^{6, 21} This volumetric measurement of the CF can be carried out if it has been collected using microcapillaries/ micropipettes or when strips of absorbent paper are used in combination with the PeriotronR electronic reading machine ^{16,20, 21}.
There are inconveniences related to the suction method: time, technique sensitivity, trauma to tissues^16,24. The electronic device (PeriotronR) is a machine that is easy to operate, offers consistent calibration and was created in order to quantify CF. According to Chapple et al.²⁵ and Griffiths¹⁶, the Periotron R also offers other advantages when compared with other volumetric quantification methods: it also quantifies saliva and has computer software that accurately converts PeriotronR unit readings into volumes. Furthermore, it takes little time to measure the volume, about 30 seconds per site ¹⁶. However, price may be an issue, since the machine is expensive. In response to this, alternative methods for the collection and volumetric quantification of this fluid have been proposed in the literature ¹⁹. Medlicott et al. ²⁷ validated mass (weighing) as a unit for volume analysis, but this method also demands the acquisition of specialized high-precision electronic apparatus. Ninhydrin has also been used and is a simple and low cost method. However, its use prevents analysis of the components of the crevicular fluid ¹⁶, and it is limited to simple confirmation of the presence (increase or decrease) of CF at a given site. A study carried out by Weidlich, Souza and Oppermann ¹⁸ employed ninhydrin with readings taken in millimeters, measuring the purple-colored area. However, volumetric quantification presupposes prior construction of a standard curve. It is only after construction of the standard curve that the relationship between the number of millimeters and the volume can be determined. The decision was taken to measure volume in millimeters for this study. An alternative system for volumetric quantification was therefore designed, consisting of a magnifying glass (AdeckR, 4 times magnification, 60 mm diameter) and an endodontic ruler (PrismaR). Standard curves were constructed in PeriotronR units for PeriopaperR (R1) and for the strips of absorbent paper (R2) and also in millimeters for PeriopaperR (T1) and the strips of paper (T2). Great care was taken when standardizing the collection strips, repeating measurements and constructing the standard curve, since these are essential to obtaining accurate results ^{24-26, 28-30}.
Different solutions were used to construct the standard curves. Almeida et al. ³¹ have shown that there is no difference between standard curves constructed using saline or saliva. The volumes were measured using the PeriotronR 8000 and the magnifying glass and ruler method (millimeters). After correlating the standard curves generated for the different volumetric quantification methods (PeriotronR units x millimeters), excellent results were observed, both for Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r greater than 0.90) and for the linear regression coefficient. It can therefore be inferred that there is an excellent correlation between the groups and that it is possible predict the changes in one group on the basis of the other.
This study also tested the reproducibility of the method. An excellent correlation among the three different examiners was observed, since all of the coefficients (ICC) were greater than 0.96. According to Steward ³², reproducibility is an indispensable part of validation of a measurement instrument. Medlicott et al. ²⁷ validated mass (weighing) as a unit for fluid measurement, but did not report the method’s reproducibility. It can therefore be stated that the method of volumetric quantification by millimeters is valid, and can be used to measure CF collected with Periopaper R or strips of absorbent paper.

REFERENCES

1. Gustafsson A. Methodological considerations in GCF sampling with paper strips: poor recovery of uncomplexed elastase. J Clin Periodontol 1996; 23:432-436.         [ Links ]

2. Ciantar M, Caruana DJ. Periotron 8000: Calibration characteristics and reliability. J Periodontal Res 1998; 33:259-264.         [ Links ]

3. Del Fabbro et al. Fluid dynamics of gingival tissues in transition from physiological condition to inflammation. J Periodontol 2001; 72,1:65-73.         [ Links ]

4. Uitto VJ. Gingival crevice fluid –an introduction. Periodontol 2000 2003; 31:9-11.

5. Armitage GC. Analysis of gingival crevicular fluid and risk of progression of periodontitis. Periodontol 2000 2004; 34:109-119.         [ Links ]

6. Hanioka T, Matsuse R, Shigemoto Y, Ojima M, Shizukuishi S. Relationship between periodontal disease status and combination of biochemical assays of gingival crevicular fluid. J Periodontal Res 2005; 40: 1-8.         [ Links ]

7. Loos BG, Tjoa S. Host-derived diagnostic markers for periodontitis: do they exist in gingival crevice fluid? Periodontol 2000 2005; 39:53-72.         [ Links ]

8. Giannopoulou C, Kamma JJ, Mombelli A. Effect of inflammation, smoking and on gingival crevicular fluid cytokine level. J Clin Periodontol 2003(b); 30:145-153.         [ Links ]

9. Strbac GD, Monov G, Cei S, Kandler B, Watzek G, Gruber R, Cathepsin K. Levels in the crevicular fluid of dental implants: a pilot study. J Clin Periodontol 2006; 33:302-308.         [ Links ]

10. Eley BM, Cox SW. Advances in periodontal diagnosis 3. Assessing potential biomarkers of periodontal disease activity. Br Dent J 1998; 184:109-113.         [ Links ]

11. Mantyla P, Stenman M, Kinane DF, Tikanoja S, Luoto H, Salo T, Sorsa T. Gingival crevicular fluid collagenase 2(MMP-8) test stick for chair-side monitoring of periodontitis. J Periodontal Res 2003; 38:436-439.         [ Links ]

12. Alpagot T, Bell C, Lundergan W, Chambers DW, Rudin R. Longitudinal evaluation of GCF MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels as prognostic factors for progression of periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 2001; 28:353-359.         [ Links ]

13. Kennet CN, Cox SW, Eley BM. Investigations into the cellular contribution to host tissue proteases and inhibitors in gingival crevicular fluid. J Clin Periodontol 1997; 24: 424-431.         [ Links ]

14. Hermann JM, Gonzales JR, Boedeker RH, Vonholdt J, Meyle J. Microassay for the detection of elastase activity in the gingival crevice. J Clin Periodontol 2001; 28:31-37.         [ Links ]

15. Figueredo CMS, Areas A, Miranda LA, Fischer RG, Gustafsson A. The short-term effectiveness of non-surgical treatment in reducing protease activity in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients. J Clin Periodontol 2004; 31: 615-619.         [ Links ]

16. Griffiths GS. Formation, collection and significance of gingival crevicular fluid. Periodontol 2000 2003; 31:32-42.         [ Links ]

17. Keles GC, Cetinkaya BO, Isildak I, Koprulu H, Acikgoz G. Levels of platelet activating factor in gingival crevice fluid following periodontal surgical therapy. J Periodontal Res 2006; 41:513-518.         [ Links ]

18. Weidlich P, Souza, Oppermann RV. Evaluation of the dentogingival area during early plaque formation. J Periodontol 2001; 72:901-910.         [ Links ]

19. Perinetti G, Spoto G. The use of ISO endodontic paper points in determining small fluid volumes. J Appl Sci Clin Dent 2004;1:7-11        [ Links ]

20. Alencar F, Gomes SC. Validation of an alternative absorbent paper for collecting Gingival Crevicular Fluid. Periodontia 2009; 19:85-91.         [ Links ]

21. Eley BM, Cox SW. Advances in periodontal diagnosis 3. Assessing potential biomarkers of periodontal disease activity. Br Dent J 1998; 184:109-113.         [ Links ]

22. Chung RM, Grbic JT, Lamster IB. Interleukin 8 and beta glucuronidase in gingival crevicular fluid. J Clin Periodontol 1997; 24:146-152.         [ Links ]

23. Zhang J, Kashket S, Lingstrom P. Evidence for the early onset of gingival inflammation following short-term plaque accumulation. J Clin Periodontol 2002; 29:1082-1085.         [ Links ]

24. Chapple ILC, Cross IA, Glenwright HD, Mathews JB. Calibration and reliability of the Periotron 6000 for individual gingival crevicular fluid samples. J Periodontol Res 1995; 30:73-79.         [ Links ]

25. Chappel ILC, Landini G, Griffths GS, Patel NC, Ward RSN. Calibration of the Periotron 8000 and 6000 by polynomial regression. J Periodontol Res 1999; 34:79-86.         [ Links ]

26. Preshaw PM. Quadratic calibration curves for the Periotron 6000R. J Periodontol Res 1996; 31:441-443.         [ Links ]

27. Medlicott NJ, Tucker IG, Rathbone MJ, Holborow DW. Determination of small sample volumes in the analysis of drugs at specific sites in the oral cavity. J Periodontol Res 1995; 30:144-146.         [ Links ]

28. Deinzer R, Mossanen BS, Herforth A. Methodological considerations in the assessment of gingival crevicular fluid volume. J Clin Periodontol 2000; 27:481-488.         [ Links ]

29. Oraflow Inc. 2010 URL: http://www.oraflow.com.         [ Links ]

30. Tozum TF, Hatipoglu H, Yamalik N, Gursel M, Alptekin NO, Ataoglu et al. Critical steps in electronic volume quantification of gingival crevicular fluid: the potential impact of evaporation, fluid retention, local conditions and repeated measurements. J Periodontal Res 2004; 39:344-357.         [ Links ]

31. Almeida J, Bresolin KC, Alencar FG, Gomes SC. Constituicao de curva-padrao para um dispositivo teste para coleta de fluido crevicular. Canoas: Lutheran University of Brasil Library 2008.         [ Links ]

32. Steward JE, Christenson PD, Maeder LA, Palmer MA. Reliability of filter-strip sampling of gingival crevicular fluid for volume determination using the Periotron. J Periodontal Res 1993; 28:227-230.         [ Links ]