Detection of patients with restenosis after PTCA by dipyridamole-atropine-stress-echocardiography

Stress-echocardiography (SE) has been proven to be a valuable method for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. For patients who cannot exercise, pharmacological stress-echocardiography represents an alternative method for the induction of cardiovascular stress. Few studies exist concerning the value of dipyridamole-SE for the detection of restenosis in patients after primary successful PTCA. It has been demonstrated that the addition of atropine can significantly increase the diagnostic potential of dipyridamole-SE, especially in patients with 1- or 2-vessel disease. The purpose of our study was to investigate the diagnostic value of high-dose dipyridamole-SE plus atropine (DASE) for the detection of restenosis after primary successful PTCA. We investigated 65 patients 3–6 months after PTCA before a control angiography was performed. Restenosis was defined as > 70% lumen narrowing, determined by quantitative coronary angiography. In 20/27 patients with restenosis the DASE was pathologic (sensitivity 74%), in 34/38 patients without restenosis the DASE was normal or showed no induced WMA (specificity 89%). Patients with tight restenosis (> 90%) were always correctly detected by DASE. Concerning the different vessels, restenosis of the LAD was correctly predicted by DASE in 11/12 patients, restenosis of the LCX in 6/9 patients and restenosis of the RCA in 8/11 patients. Conclusions: From our results of our study we conclude that DASE is a reliable diagnostic method for the non-invasive evaluation of patients after PTCA. DASE can identify patients with relevant restenosis after PTCA and help to select those patients who will probably benefit from further coronary interventions.     

Heparin and coumadin versus acetylsalicylic acid for prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether postprocedural antithrombotic therapy with prolonged heparin infusion followed by 6 months of oral anticoagulation in addition to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces the incidence of angiographic restenosis after successful PTCA. One hundred ninety-one patients with uncomplicated PTCA were randomized into two groups: one group was discharged with ASA 100 mg only (G1) and the other group was additionally treated with 12-24 hr of heparin infusion and overlapping oral anticoagulation with coumadin for 6 months (G2). The two groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, coronary risk profile, clinical presentation, and angiographic lesion characteristics. Stents were implanted in 33% and 36% of the G1 and G2 patients, respectively. In-hospital myocardial infarction occurred in 4% of the G1 and 3% of the G2 patients. One patient in G1 died of subacute stent thrombosis (day 3). Six-month angiographic follow-up was obtained in 90% of G1 patients and 94% of G2 patients. Restenosis occurred in 30% and 33% of the patients and mean diameter stenoses at follow-up were 40% +/- 28% and 39% +/- 24%, respectively. Thrombin inhibition with heparin infusion followed by 6 months of oral anticoagulation did not reduce angiographic restenosis among patients undergoing PTCA with or without stent implantation. The occurrence of acute ischemic complications was also comparable in the two groups.     

A prospective,randomized, and double-blind trial on the effect of fish oil on the incidence of restenosis following ptca

Restenosis after successful coronary angioplasty (PTCA) occurs in 25–35% of all procedures. To date, most pharmacologic strategies have failed to reduce the restenosis rate significantly. However, recent studies have suggested a potential benefit of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) on restenosis following PTCA. The benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of coronary artery restenosis following elective PTCA was assessed in 212 consecutive patients (41 female, 171 male). Following a successful angioplasty, 204 patients a dietary supplementation with either nine capsules containing fish oil (3.15 g omega-3 fatty acids) or nine placebo capsules containing olive oil. Treatment was started immediately after PTCA and maintained over 4 mon. Compliance was assessed by analysis of lipid fatty acids prior to angioplasty and at 4 mon follow-up. The angiographically determined incidence of restenosis (stenosis diameter > 50%) was 31.2% per lesion in patients receiving fish oil and 33.7% in patients receiving olive oil. Gross progression of coronary artery disease in vessels not subjected to angioplasty was 17% and 16%, respectively. In conclusion, low dose fish oil supplementation begun on the day of a successful coronary angioplasty failed to demonstrate any effect on coronary artery restenosis. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Seven coronary angioplasties of the left circumflex artery in a 68-year-old male

In a 68-year-old male, seven coronary angioplasties of the leftcircumflex coronary artery were performed due to recurrent restenoses.Alternative approaches such as stent implantation or bypasssurgery were refused by the patient.     

Inaccuracies in manufacturer-reported deflated ptca balloon profiles

Deflated balloon profile is an important consideration in the selection of PTCA catheters. In order to test the accuracy of manufacturer-reported balloon profiles, we measured deflated shoulder and mid-balloon profile in 107 unused catheters (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm) from 6 manufacturers using a precision hole gauge with a resolution of .001 inches. A significant difference was defined as a discrepancy ≥0.003 inches from the manufacturer's reported profile. During Phase I, measurements were obtained at room temperature on catheters directly out of the package. Of the 36 models tested, 21/36 (56%) had measured shoulder profiles that were larger than their reported profile, and 29/36 (81%) had mid-balloon profiles that were larger than their reported profile. During Phase II, measurements were made at body temperature following a 60 second inflation at 120 psi (8.16 atm). Of 33 models tested, 18/33 (55%) had measured shoulder profiles that were larger than their reported profile; 26/33 (79%) had mid-balloon profiles that were larger than their reported profile. The term “profile” is imprecisely defined. Manufacturer-reported deflated PTCA balloon profiles are not always accurate. Independent and uniform testing of balloon profiles is necessary for valid comparisons between balloons and manufacturers.     

Efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin delivery with the Dispatch catheter following balloon angioplasty in the rabbit iliac artery

Local drug delivery can be achieved with active injection systems or passive contact of a compound with the arterial wall. The Dispatch® catheter allows for passive diffusion of drugs from drug compartments while preserving blood flow through the central conduit. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a reduction in neointima formation can be achieved by local delivery of a limited amount of a highly concentrated solution of the low-molecular-weight heparin Reviparin. In 16 New Zealand white rabbits, successful balloon dilatation was performed in both iliac arteries, followed by local delivery of 4 ml Reviparin (1,000 IU/ml). The arteries were harvested at 7, 28, or 56 d following the procedure. The intimal cell layers increased substantially between 7 and 28 d following balloon dilatation with or without local drug delivery. The medial cell layers showed only a little increase. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells reached an early peak after 7 d, with a significantly higher proliferation index following local delivery. The maximum amount of macrophages in the intima and media was detected after 28 d. The lumen area decreased with time and was 0.6 ± 0.7 mm² in the local delivery group at 56 d compared with 0.5 ± 0.5 mm² in the control group. In conclusion, local delivery of Reviparin with the Dispatch catheter is safe and feasible. However, the infusion of highly concentrated low-molecular-weight heparin over a short period of time did not result in a reduction of neointima formation and restenosis following balloon dilatation in the rabbit iliac artery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 41:303–307, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Malignant restenosis after primary successful excimer laser coronary angioplasty

In a series of 20 coronary excimer laser angioplasties, two patients presented with a peculiar type of malignant restenosis 6 and 8 weeks after a successful laser angioplasty procedure. One patient had a successful recanalization of an occluded left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and the second patient had a successful angioplasty of a subtotal proximal stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. After the procedure, no ischemia could be demonstrated by exercise ECG and thallium scintigraphy. Both patients were free of angina until the sudden development of nocturnal angina several hours before reangiography, which showed subtotal restenosis in both cases. One patient had a mammaria graft on the LAD and the second patient underwent a successful balloon angioplasty. This uncommon sudden and malignant development of restenosis seems to be related to the excimer laser angioplasty procedure and warrants some caution with the indiscriminative use of this new angioplasty procedure.     

Late restenosis following placement of a sirolimus eluting stent for in-stent restenosis

Drug eluting stents (DES) are rapidly replacing intravascular brachytherapy for the treatment of bare metal in-stent restenosis (ISR). To date, there are no long-term follow up data supporting this practise. We report symptomatic repeat in-stent restenosis occurring 27 months after sirolimus eluting stent deployment for de novo in-stent restenosis. This case suggests that in a subgroup of patients with ISR, as with brachytherapy, the drug eluting stent may be simply delaying rather than inhibiting the restenotic process.     

冠状动脉支架内再狭窄的现状与展望

<正>目前全球每年约超过200万冠心病患者需要行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(percutaneous coronary intervention,PCI),PCI已成为不稳定冠状动脉疾病最主要的血运重建策略,是冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)的有力竞争者。尽管如此,PCI本身仍然存在尚未克服的难题——支架内再狭窄(in stent     

The influence of social class on health status

PURPOSE: To summarize recent and past American and British studies on the relationship of social class and health status. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the pertinent British and American literature, including References identified from bibliographies of books and recent articles. STUDY SELECTION: Published English-language studies that report original or summary data describing socioeconomic status and mortality/morbidity are emphasized. DATA SYNTHESIS: Social class, whether measured by occupation, income, or education, has a marked effect on mortality and morbidity. Use of British and American standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) shows that the gap between the advantaged upper socioeconomic classes and the disadvantaged lower classes has become wider from 1930 to 1980. Explanations for this inequality in health status by socioeconomic status point to four factors: artefact, social selection, culture/behavior, and material/structural conditions. A synthesis of existing literature suggests that material deprivation and social deprivation are the most important factors contributing to this association, although data from longitudinal studies implicate social hierarchy. CONCLUSION: The reviewed studies point to growing inequalities in health status between those of lower and those of higher socioeconomic status. Clinicians and teachers in internal medicine should incorporate this knowledge in assessing patients and adopt a perspective that takes account of socioeconomic factors in diagnostic and management decisions.     

Comparison of results of intracoronary stenting in patients with unstable vs. stable angina

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has higher complication and restenosis rates when performed in the setting of unstable angina. Balloon-expandable intracoronary stenting is a new technique with the potential to improve the results of PTCA. In order to determine whether stenting is associated with a poorer outcome in patients with unstable angina, we retrospectively examined our experience with the Palmaz-Schatz balloon-expandable intracoronary stent in 105 patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of symptoms at the time of stent insertion: group I (n = 57) had stable angina pectoris, and group II (n = 48) had unstable angina defined as pain at rest despite antianginal therapy (Braunwald class II, III). Initial (30-d) and final (6-mo) success rates were defined as stent insertion without myocardial infarction, need for bypass surgery, death, and significant angina. Baseline characteristics were similar, although the patients with unstable symptoms were older, more likely to be female, and had a higher incidence of postinfarction angina. A total of 136 stents were successfully delivered to 97 target sites in 92% of patients. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (4%) and were due to subacute thrombosis in 3 of them. There were no differences in complication rates between patients receiving stents electively with stable vs. unstable symptoms (2% vs. 6%, p = NS). Six-mo. follow-up status was ascertained in 96% of patients and revealed overall clinical success in 83% with angiographic restenosis (≥ 50% stenosis) in 28% of patients. There were no significant differences between groups in rates of restenosis, follow-up angina class, or overall clinical success. Patients with unstable angina receiving intracoronary stents have similar complication, restenosis, and initial and final success rates as compared to stent placement in patients with stable symptoms. This finding differs from previous observations of conventional PTCA and may result from mechanical improvements in the vessel due to the stent (e.g., sealing intimal dissections) or the associated anticoagulation regimen.     

Pravastatin reduces restenosis after coronary angioplasty of high grade stenotic lesions: Results of SHIPS (SHIga Pravastatin Study)

Summary We conducted a multicenter prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test whether pravastatin, a hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, can decrease restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Pravastatin 10 mg twice daily was begun at least 10 days prior to elective PTCA in patients with total cholesterol less than 280 mg/dl. The end-point was a between-group comparison of the frequency of restenosis defined as a more than 50% loss of the initial gain in diameter stenosis at the PTCA site at 3 months during follow-up by automated quantitative coronary arteriography. Of 207 patients randomly assigned to study groups, 139 patients underwent PTCA; 133 procedures were successful, and 124 patients underwent follow-up angiography at 3 months, and 179 lesions (85 pravastatin, 94 placebo) in 124 patients (62 pravastatin, 62 placebo) were analyzed. The two groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. Total cholesterol decreased by 19.6% in the pravastatin group (p<0.001) but not in the placebo group. Although the restenosis rate was not different in the two groups (29.4% in pravastatin vs. 39.4% in placebo, p=0.215) as a whole, it was reduced to about one fifth (8.8%) in the pravastatin group compared with 14.8% in the placebo group (p=0.0011) when the comparison was restricted to high grade lesions (75% diameter stenosis, 34 lesions in pravastatin, 29 lesions in placebo). Pravastatin thus reduces restenosis after PTCA of high grade lesions.     

Alcohol screening results in elderly male veterans: association with health status and mortality

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between alcohol screening results and health status or mortality in elderly patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies. SETTING: Primary care clinics at seven Veterans Affairs medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 16,958 male patients aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Alcohol screening questionnaires were used to divide patients into four mutually exclusive groups: drinkers who screened negative or positive for problem drinking and nondrinkers (in the previous year) who screened negative or positive for problem drinking. A subset of patients (n=12,491) completed a measure of health status, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36). All-cause mortality was ascertained using Veterans Affairs data over a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of participants reported drinking in the previous year. Half of the drinkers and nondrinkers screened positive for problem drinking. The SF-36 item scores were consistently higher for drinkers than for nondrinkers and for patients who screened negative for problems than for those who screened positive. Similarly, survival was consistently better in drinkers than nondrinkers (mortality hazard ratio (HR)=0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.68-0.82) and in patients who screened negative for problem drinking than in those who screened positive (mortality HR=0.87, 95% CI=0.80-0.95). Nondrinkers who screened positive for problem drinking had the poorest health status and survival, whereas drinkers who screened negative for problem drinking had the best health status and survival. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients who reported drinking alcohol and those who screened negative for problem drinking had consistently better health status and survival than those who did not drink and those who screened positive.     

Self-perceived health status in blood donors

Background

Relationships between self-perceived health status and mortality, morbidity, disability and health care utilisation have been well established. The self-perceived health status of blood donors has, however, never been assessed.

Materials and methods

Using the Short-Form 12 questionnaire, we assessed self-perceived health status in a sample of blood donors.

Results

The mean values for the Physical Component Summary (PCS) score were similar for males and females, being 54 versus 54.12, respectively. There was, however, a gender difference for the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score, with women reporting a lower mean score. Young blood donors had the lowest mean score for the MCS, without gender differences. In all the other age categories, males had higher scores. Education did not seem to be as relevant as previously indicated in the literature. Our sample of blood donors included a certain number of overweight and obese subjects. The PCS scores were lowest in obese males and females. The highest MCS score was found in the group of overweight males.

Conclusion

Further research in this selected population could be indicated as a new way to improve understanding of self-perceived health status and the determinants of the intention to become or to remain a blood donor.     

Long-term angiographic follow-up after successful repeat balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis

BACKGROUND: Coronary stent implantation is associated with improved angiographic short-term and mid-term clinical outcome. However, restenosis rate still remains between 20 and 30%. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the study, performed as a prospective angiographic follow-up to detect restenosis, was to evaluate the immediate and the 6-month angiographic results of repeat balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis. METHODS: From April 1996 to September 1997, 335 stenting procedures performed in 327 patients underwent prospectively 6-month control angiography. Of the 96 lesions that showed in-stent restenosis (> 50% diameter stenosis) (29%), 72 underwent balloon angioplasty. RESULTS: The primary success rate was 100%. Follow-up angiogram at a mean of 6.9 +/- 2.4 months was obtained in 54 patients. Recurrent restenosis was observed in 24 of the 55 stents (44%). Repeat intervention for diffuse and body location in-stent restenosis before repeat intervention was associated with significantly higher rates of recurrent restenosis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Of the 19 patients who underwent further balloon angioplasty (100% success rate), coronary angiography was performed in 18 (95%) at a mean of 8.2 +/- 2.0 months and showed recurrent restenosis in 12 patients (67%). Further repeat intervention for diffuse and severe in-stent restenosis before the second repeat intervention was associated with significantly higher rates of further recurrent restenosis (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although balloon angioplasty can be safely, successfully, and repeatedly performed after stent restenosis, it carries a progressively high recurrence of angiographic restenosis rate during repeat 6-month follow-ups. The subgroup of patients with diffuse, severe, and/or body location in-stent restenosis proved to be at higher risk of recurrent restenosis.     

康复运动对冠心病PTCA术后再狭窄影响的实验研究和临床观察

目的从动物实验和临床观察研究康复运动对冠心病PTCA术后再狭窄的影响.方法建立大鼠胸主动脉损伤后细胞增殖的动物模型,随机分为3组.31例冠心病人进行PTCA术和支架术,术后15例进行规律的康复运动(康复组),运动强度为2.4～7.5METs,6个月到1年后随访复查冠脉造影.结果(1)运动可增加被损伤动脉内皮和平滑肌细胞一氧化氮合成酶的生成,并可抑制细胞增殖;(2)康复组15例在运动训练后左冠状动脉阻塞＞80%者有1例,右冠状动脉阻塞＞75%有1例.16例未坚持康复运动者,左冠状动脉阻塞≥80%有8例,右冠状动脉阻塞≥75%有7例,另有1例左回旋支阻塞＞75%.结论实验结果提示运动有助于预防动脉壁损伤后再狭窄;临床观察结果提示冠心病人PTCA术后进行规律的康复运动有助于减轻术后再狭窄的程度.     

Restenosis and its determinants in first and repeat coronary angioplasty

Restenosis is the main problem limiting long-term success ofpercutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and ismost accurately evaluated by follow-up angiography. We comparedthe primary and long-term results of angioplasty in 268 consecutivepatients (293 segments) with first PTCA (PTCA 1, angiographicfollow-up 98%) and in 66 patients (76 segments) with repeatPTCA after restenosis (PTCA 2, angiographic follow-up 92%).Forty clinical, angiographic and procedural factors were assessedin relation to outcome. Primary success rate was higher in PTCA2 (91% vs 67.5%) and major complications were fewer (4.5% vs16%).Higher inflation pressure (7.9 ± 2.3 vs 6.8 ±1.8 atm, P<0.005) and larger balloons (3.5 ± 0.5 vs3.2 ± 0.5mm, P< 0.005) were used for PTCA 2, resultingin lesser residual stenosis (33 ± 16± vs 40 ±18%, P <0.05). Restenosis rate (>70%) after PTCA 1 andafter PTC A 2 (27% vs 36%, P = NS) and the mean time to recurrence(4.7 vs 5.3 months, P = NS) were similar. Procedural factorswere the main determinants of long-term success in primary PTCA.The restenosis risk was independently related to residual stenosis>45% (P<0.001), variant angina (P<0.05) and multivesseldisease (P<0.05) after PTCA 1 and to male sex (P<0.001)and higher inflation pressure (P<0.05) after PTCA 2. Mildto moderate intimal tearing was associated with less restenosisafter PTC A 1, but not after PTCA 2. Including 9 patients (10segments) with a third PTCA, 70% of the 66 patients with repeatPTCA had a successful long-term outcome. Repeat angioplastyshould therefore be considered as an integral part of PTCA therapy.Restenosis however remains a major concern. An optimal primaryresult with a minimal residual stenosis is decisive for firstPTCA, whereas avoidance of a dissection by using lower inflationpressure on a restenosis might improve the long-term outcomeof repeat PTCA.     

Incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis following implantation of drug-eluting stents for in-stent restenosis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in routine clinical practice. BACKGROUND: Although DESs have been increasingly used for treatment of ISR, little is known about the predictors of DES failure. METHODS: We determined the incidence of recurrent restenosis and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 224 consecutive patients with 239 lesions treated with sirolimus-eluting (n=217 lesions) or paclitaxel-eluting (n=22 lesions) stents for the first episode of ISR. RESULTS: The procedural success rate was 99.2%, and in-hospital complications did not occur in any patient. Follow-up angiography at 6 months was obtained in 73.7% of patients. Angiographic re-restenosis rate was 12.6%, and target lesion revascularization was required in 7.6% of patients. Of the 22 incidents of re-restenosis, 15 were focal (68.2%), 5 were diffuse (22.7%), and 2 were total (9.1%) restenosis. Univariate analysis showed that lesion length, use of paclitaxel-eluting stent, and number of stents per lesion were significant predictors of re-restenosis. In multivariate analysis, however, lesion length and use of paclitaxel-eluting stent were independent predictors of re-restenosis. During the follow-up (mean, 18.3+/-8.1 months), there were 4 deaths (1 cardiac, 3 noncardiac), but no nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MIs). MACE occurred in 18 patients. The cumulative probability of MACE-free survival was 92.9+/-1.8% at 1 year and 90.5+/-2.4% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: DESs are highly effective for treatment of ISR, with recurrent restenosis related to lesion length and type of DES.     

康复运动对冠心病PTCA术后再狭窄影响的实验研究和临床观察

目的：从动物实验和临床观察研究康复运动对冠心病PTCA术后再狭窄的影响。方法：建立大鼠胸主动脉损伤后细胞增殖的动物模型,随机分为3组,31例冠心病人进行PTCA术和支架术,术后15例进行规律的康复运动（康复组）,运动强度为2．4－7．5METs,6个月到1年后随访复查冠脉造影。结果：（1）运动可增加被损伤动脉内皮和平滑肌细胞一氧化氮合成酶的生成,并可抑制细胞增殖;（2）康复组15例在运动训练后左冠状动脉阻塞＞80％有1例,右冠状动脉阻塞＞75％有1例,16例未坚持康复运动,左冠状动脉阻塞≥80％有8例,右冠状动脉阻塞≥75％有7例,另有1例左回旋支阻塞＞75％,结论：实验结果提示运动有助于预防动脉壁损伤后再狭窄,临床观察结果提示冠心病人PTCA术后进行规律的康复运动有助于减轻术后再狭窄的程度。     

Oral health status in children and adolescents with haemophilia

This case‐controlled study aimed to evaluate the existing oral health status in children and adolescents with haemophilia. A total of 50 haemophilia patients and 50 matched controls aged seven to 16 years were recruited into the study. Clinical examination was carried out to determine dental caries experience, oral hygiene status and gingival condition in these two groups. Information regarding previous dental history, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits were also obtained. No significant difference was found in mean caries experience in primary and secondary dentitions (P = 0.86 and 0.32) and in Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S, P = 0.20) between both groups. However, a significantly higher proportion of haemophilia patients (24%) had better oral hygiene status as compared to the controls (2%, P = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in Modified Gingival Index (MGI, P = 0.02) between the two groups with the study group having less gingival inflammation. A total of 88% (n = 44) of the haemophilia patients were registered and received dental treatment in specialist dental clinics. More than half (56%, n = 28) had frequent dental visits and only one‐third of the haemophilia patients had history of hospitalization due to oral problems. There was no significant difference in oral hygiene practices and dietary habits between both groups. In general, haemophilia children and adolescents in this study had similar caries experience, a significantly better oral hygiene status and gingival health as compared to healthy controls. The main reason for this is the multidisciplinary approach implemented by medical health‐care professionals as primary care provider and the dental team.