The efficacy of 8% Arginine-CaCO3 applications on dentine hypersensitivity following periodontal therapy: A clinical and scanning electron microscopic study

Objectives: Periodontal therapy is one of the etiological factors of dentine hypersensitivity (DH). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of %8Arginine-CaCO3 on DH that affects patients after periodontal treatment. Study design: Seventy-one teeth from the volunteers (n=36) with history of DH caused by periodontal therapy were included in this study, and randomly divided into two groups: group-1, who received 8%Arginine-CaCO3 and group-2, who received 1.23%NaF-gel. The clinical indices were recorded at first visit.DH was evaluated by using tactile, air-blast, and thermal stimuli. The subject’s response was recorded at baseline, immediately (Day-0) and one month after the application. Results and conclusions: The results were statistically analyzed, and it was found that 8% Arginine-CaCO3 treatment was more effective than 1.23% NaF-gel at time intervals. Sensitivity score differences between the groups were statistically significant at Day-28. The 8% Arginine-CaCO3 group exhibited statistically significant reduction in DH on three stimuli at baseline to Day-28. It was concluded that 8% Arginine-CaCO3 is more effective than 1.23% NaF-gel in reduction of patients’ pain. Key words:Arginine, desensitizing agent, hypersensitivity, periodontal treatment, scaling and root planning, sodium fluoride.     

Safety and yield of muscle biopsy in pediatric patients in the modern era

Background

Muscle and skin biopsies are commonly used diagnostic procedures in the evaluation of pediatric neuromuscular and genetic disorders. However, few modern reports have documented their diagnostic yield and clinical utility. We reviewed our experience at a tertiary care center.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive pediatric patients who underwent muscle biopsy at our institution between January 2008 and April 2012.

Results

Of 169 patients, 97 (57%) were male, and the median (range) age was 7 years (9 days to 18 years). In 101 patients (60%), a pathologic diagnosis was made. Histologic results of biopsy were completely normal in 45 patients (27%). Minimal abnormalities not sufficient to make a definitive pathologic diagnosis were reported in 23 patients (14%). Sensitivity and specificity of preoperative electromyography in detecting muscle pathology were 58% and 56%, respectively. No complications occurred from the use of general anesthesia. The only complication was a right femoral vein laceration when the right vastus medialis muscle was chosen as a biopsy site.

Conclusion

Muscle biopsy in children is safe and useful in establishing the best management plan for patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. This finding contradicts those of previous studies.     

Management of myofascial pain: low-level laser therapy versus occlusal splints

The present study was designed to compare the effects of low-level laser with occlusal splints in patients with signs and symptoms of myofascial pain (MP) dysfunction syndrome. A total of 40 (34 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 32.84 [SD, 10.70] years) were selected after the diagnosis of MP according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: study group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Low-level laser was applied to patients in the study group 2 times per week, for a total of 10 sessions. Patients in the control group were instructed to wear occlusal splints 24 h/d for 3 months. The functional examination was based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder and pressure pain threshold values were obtained with the aid of an algometer in both groups. Patients' self-report of pain was evaluated with visual analog scale. Comparisons were made within and between the groups before and after treatment. Vertical movements showed statistically significant improvements after the treatments in both groups (P < 0.01), but when the groups were compared with each other, there were no significant difference between the groups. In both groups, tenderness to palpation of the muscles decreased significantly. Pressure pain threshold evaluations and visual analog scale scores revealed similar results, too. This particular type of low-level laser therapy (820 nm, 3 J/cm2, 300-mW output power) is as effective as occlusal splint in pain release and mandibular movement improvement in MP.