The importance of oral foci of infection in renal transplantation

During the treatment of patients with renal failure or renal transplants the most important consideration is to eliminate sources of infection before and after the treatment. Acute or chronic oral infections or bacteraemias resulting from dental procedures may cause serious complications in these patients who already have lowered host resistance caused by immunosuppressant therapy. In order to determine the latest concepts from some international transplantation centres relating to the importance of and the effect of infective sources in the oral cavity, a survey form was prepared which included several questions related to oral foci of infection and renal transplantations.
Results obtained from 22 centres from 12 countries indicated that the majority of the centres included a dental examination in their routine protocol and required completion of any necessary dental treatment before transplantation. However, full agreement among all these centres on the necessity for dental examination as part of the protocol has not yet been reached.     

Pattern-reversal electroretinograms and visual evoked potentials in branch retinal vein occlusion

We recorded pattern electroretinograms and visual evoked potentials in a group of selected patients with unilateral uncomplicated branch retinal vein occlusion. To document the effects of preexisting risk factors, patients were divided into three groups: diabetes mellitus, hypertension with hyperlipidemia and no systemic disease. The transient and steady-state pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potential amplitudes were significantly reduced and visual evoked potential peak times were delayed relative to the fellow eyes and agematched normal subjects. There was a second amplitude reduction relative to the other patient groups in both the affected and fellow eyes of the diabetes mellitus group, which was indicative of an additive effect of diabetes mellitus.Abbreviations BRVO branch retinal vein occlusion     

Oral Rehabilitation of a Patient With Amelogenesis Imperfecta

A patient with Type I hypoplastic patterned amelogenesis imperfecta, subtype D, presented for prosthodontic evaluation. This article describes the developmental and pathophysiological background of this disease. A clinical report describing the diagnosis, treatment planning, and dental rehabilitation of the patient is reviewed.     

Histopathologic findings in a case of recurrent parotitis in adulthood

Most cases with recurrent parotitis in childhood (RPC) can be cured before puberty.^1–3 A few of them, however, may continue to adulthood.^1–4 To distinguish this condition from other types of chronic parotitis in adults, such as chronic obstructive parotitis,⁵ we suggest that the diagnosis of recurrent parotitis in adults (RPA) be reserved for the cases derived from RPC.⁶ The pathophysiology and development of RPA is still not well known. To our knowledge, there are few reports of RPA in the literature, especially concerning its histopathology. This report describes a cases of RPA studied with sialography and light and electron microscopy.     

Comparison of the use of nalbuphine and fentanyl during third molar surgery

In a double-blind, randomized plan of drug administration, nalbuphine, fentanyl, and a placebo were compared for efficacy in sedation and analgesia during third molar removal. Fifty-eight patients participated in this study. Using accepted intravenous sedation and surgical techniques, fentanyl and nalbuphine were found to be better than placebo for anxiety and pain control in third molar surgery. Fentanyl had a longer duration of pain relief postoperatively than did nalbuphine. The study confirmed the need for a narcotic supplement to sedation techniques for third molar surgery.     

An evaluation of the effectiveness of four mechanical plaque-removal devices when used by a trained care-provider

Many care-dependent elderly individuals live in nursing homes and must depend on nursing home aides for oral hygiene care. It is generally agreed that the level of oral hygiene care among care-dependent nursing home residents is less than optimal. Two reasons are time constraints and the difficulty involved in brushing other individuals' teeth. The identification of effective and efficient plaque-removal devices for use by care-providers should make it easier for nursing home aides to incorporate effective oral hygiene care into their daily routines. This pilot study was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of four plaque removal devices with different basic designs when used by a non-professional careprovider on 10 healthy volunteers. A brush with curved bristles on the lateral aspect of the brush head and short straight bristles in the center (Collis-curve) and an electric toothbrush with tuffs that rotate reciprocally (Interplak) were the most effective, a conventional brush (Oral-B) was somewhat less effective, and a disposable foam brush (Abco) was least effective and similar to the prebrushing plaque score (baseline). All the volunteers reported that the Collis-curve as the most comfortable brush, and the care-provider reported that it was the easiest to use.