Generalized,severe, chronic periodontitis is associated with anemia of chronic disease: a pilot study in urban,Indian males

Aim: Anemia of chronic disease, a cytokine‐mediated anemia, is a frequent complication of many chronic inflammatory conditions. The present case‐control study was aimed to evaluate levels of systemic hematological markers indicative of anemia in patients with generalized, severe, chronic periodontitis. Methods: A convenience quota sample of 30 systemically‐healthy, urban, male patients comprised two groups, based on full mouth periodontal examination: group A patients (n = 15) were diagnosed with generalized, severe, chronic periodontitis, and group B patients comprised the control group (n = 15), which included patients with a clinically‐healthy periodontium. Laboratory blood investigations included hemoglobin (g%), total number of erythrocytes (red blood cells), hematocrit/packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. An analysis of covariance using age as a covariate was done to compare the mean values of hematological parameters within groups. Results:  The mean values of hemoglobin, red blood cells, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly lower, while the mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly higher in group A patients compared to those in group B, indicating mild anemia. Conclusions:  Severe periodontal disease can be linked with anemic status.     

A double blind controlled trial comparing three treatment modalities for dentin hypersensitivity

Aim: This randomized, double blind, split mouth study was aimed to compare three dentin desensitizing treatment modalities. Methods: Two hundred sixty teeth of 25 patients; each having at least 2 hypersensitive teeth in each quadrant, were included. Teeth were randomized to 4 groups: Group A treated with 2% NaF solution, Group B received GLUMA®; an aqueous solution of Hydroxy-Ethyl-Methacrylate and Glutarldehyde, (HEMA-G), Group C received iontophoresis with distilled water (placebo) and Group D was treated with NaF-iontophoresis. Pain response was evaluated on a visual analogue scale (VAS), by using tactile, air blast and cold-water stimuli at 0-day, 15-day, 1-month and 3-months interval. Results: All treatments were effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity significantly, Group D and Group B were more effective than Group A and Group C at all time intervals. Group D and Group B were equally effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity at 15-day and 1-month interval but Group D was more effective at 3-months. Conclusion: All treatment modalities were more effective in reducing hypersensitivity than placebo. 2% NaF-iontophoresis and HEMA-G were more effective than 2% NaF local application at all time intervals. But at 3-months, 2% NaF-iontophoresis was more effective than HEMA-G, while placebo produced no significant effect in reduction of hypersensitivity. Key words:Hypersensitivity, desensitisation, iontophoresis, dentin adhesive, sodium fluoride.