Evaluation of long-term efficacy,safety, and effect on life quality of pulsed dye laser in rosacea patients

Background: Rosacea is a chronic disease affecting the patients’ life quality negatively. Although various laser systems are used in the rosacea treatment, studies reporting efficacy and long-term continuity of benefit of laser therapies are scarce.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, continuity of benefit, and effect on life quality of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the rosacea patients.

Methods: Fourteen rosacea patients treated with PDL were enrolled in the study. The number of treatment sessions were varied from one to four. The efficacy was evaluated by the physicians’ clinical assessment (PCA), patients’ self-assessment (PSA), and erythema and telengiectasia grading scores. Additionally, the patients were asked about the continuity of the benefit and improvement in their life qualities after the treatment.

Results: Both the erythema and telangiectasia scores were significantly improved after the treatment (p < 0.001). According to PCA, nine patients had a clinical improvement of >50%. According to PSA, 11 patients had good/excellent improvement. Moderate/significant benefit of treatment continued in 12 patients at the follow-up period (mean 21.64 ± 14.25 months). The life quality scores were significantly improved. No serious side effects were observed.

Conclusion: PDL has high and long-term efficacy in the treatment of rosacea with a good safety profile.     

Decreased Basal Metabolic Rate Can Be an Objective Marker for Sarcopenia and Frailty in Older Males

Objectives

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ability of the basal metabolic rate (BMR) to detect frailty and sarcopenia in older males.

Long-term evaluations of temporomandibular disorders in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery compared with a control group

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery compared with a healthy group. STUDY DESIGN: Signs and symptoms of TMD in orthognathic surgery patients were evaluated before surgery, 1 week after removal of intermaxillary fixation, and 1 and 2 years after surgery by means of Helkimo's Anamnestic and Dysfunction Indexes. At initial and final examinations, signs and symptoms of TMD of orthognathic surgery patients were compared also with those of healthy patients. The lengths of condylar pathways during opening, medial, and protrusive movements in orthognathic surgery patients were evaluated with axiography. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was noted for the TMD symptoms and signs 2 years after surgery compared with before surgery. At initial examination, orthognathic surgery patients did not report TMD signs and symptoms significantly more often than healthy subjects. At final examination, improvements in TMD symptoms of orthognathic surgery patients were found when compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that functional status of temporomandibular joint can be improved with orthognathic surgery, but no association could be clearly shown between TMD symptoms and the type of dentofacial deformity.     

An alternative method of fabricating a custom tray for direct implant impressions

Creating accurate impressions for implants is essential for fabricating passive-fitting prostheses. This report describes a modified technique for fabricating a custom impression tray when implants are positioned unfavorably. A simple and accurate method of making an implant impression tray and the benefits of this technique are highlighted in this technical report.