Amoxicillin/Metronidazole Dose Impact as an Adjunctive Therapy for Stage II - III Grade C Periodontitis (Aggressive Periodontitis) at 3- And 6-Month Follow-Ups: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis study sought to review the efficacy of amoxicillin/metronidazole dose and duration time in the treatment of stage II - III grade C periodontitis (aggressive periodontitis) after current follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of the literature was performed in three main databases for relevant articles published until 31(th) of December 2021. According to the PRISMA statement, the extracted data from selected articles were pooled. The weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction at 3 and 6 months of follow-up were calculated. The heterogeneity of the data was evaluated by the I(2) test. RESULTS: The results of six randomized clinical trials revealed significant improvement of clinical parameters in moderate and severe pockets. Prescription of 400 to 500 mg metronidazole caused significant CAL gain changes just in moderate pockets (MD = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.53; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Amoxicillin/metronidazole has positive short-term effects as an adjunct to scaling and root planning for treatment of stage II - III grade C periodontitis. Higher doses of metronidazole (400 to 500 mg) are required for optimal efficacy regarding clinical attachment level gain.