Chronic osteomyelitis of the maxilla and mandible: microbiological and clinical aspects

Osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla are common in developing countries and their treatment may be long-standing and difficult. Thus, the aim of this study was to discuss the main biological aspects of the chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws of especial interest for dental team. These infections are associated with a complex microbiota composed mainly by anaerobic bacteria, sometimes associated with microorganisms originated from the skin and digestive tract. These data suggest that chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla should be treated as anaerobic infections in most cases. In addition, local surgical treatments are relevant in the therapy outcome, associated to the use of antimicrobial agents, and the failure to accomplish them is a major cause of treatment failure.

Efeitos da radioterapia sobre as condições bucais de pacientes oncológicos

This study evaluated the oral conditions of 50 cancer patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Clinical examinations were performed before treatment, immediately after 30 days after RT and 6 months after conclusion of RT. Periodontal conditions were evaluated using the criteria of the Periodontal Screening and Recording (SRP) and the need for dental treatment were determined. The presence of xerostomia, mucositis and other side effects of RT were also evaluated. Soon after the beginning of RT, the irradiated patients of radiotherapy developed severe mucositis, dermatitis, dysgeusia, xerostomia and, to a lesser extent, candidosis. After completion of radiotherapy, 68% of patients had level III or IV mucositis. It was found that the development of mucositis hinders oral hygiene and these factors contribute to exacerbate inflammation of periodontal tissues. The data from this study evidenced that the main cause of desertion of RT and of severity of sequelae of RT depends on the oral conditions of patients before starting treatment and the absence of previous dental treatment prior RT.

Opportunistic microorganisms in patients with head and neck trauma

The use of antimicrobial agents has facilitated the dissemination of multi-resistant microorganisms, compromising dental and medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of different opportunistic microbial species in patients who suffered head and neck trauma, under temporary maintenance in nosocomial environment, particularly intensive care units, on the occurrence of such microorganisms in the oral cavity of the patients. It was selected 38 patients subjected to head and neck traumas. After emergency surgical procedures, clinical samples of saliva, sub and supragingival biofilms and mucosal surfaces were collected at two different moments: just after stabilization of the patient and soon after patients’ release from medical units. The presence of opportunistic and superinfecting microorganisms was evaluated by culture on selective and non-selective media, and the presence of the family Enterobacteriaceae, as well as genera Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus was assessed by PCR. It was found that the use of antimicrobials, even for short periods of time was sufficient to facilitate colonization by microorganisms of the families Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae, as well as yeasts and enterococci. These results support the concept that medical and dental teams should make a periodically change of antimicrobials used in treatment protocols in hospital for head and neck trauma patients, in order to minimize dissemination of opportunistic or superinfecting microorganisms.

Qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos à radioterapia para tratamento de lesões malignas de cabeça e pescoço

In order to evaluate the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer, this study analyzed data of 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, which indicated therapy was radiotherapy or not be combined with chemotherapy and surgery. The study was conducted in the Unit of Radiotherapy of Megavoltage located in the São José de Rio Preto-SP, in the period August 2007 to January 2008. Then, it was used the questionnaire of quality of life from University of Washington which enabled the identification of different quality of life patterns associated with the different stages of radiotherapy, indicating to be viable the prospect of recognition of prognostic factors of reduction in multiple domains of quality of life. From the data collected and analyzed, it was identified that the areas with the worst score in the begin of radiotherapy were appearance, speech and anxiety; during the treatment were taste, saliva and anxiety; and in the end were taste, saliva and swallowing. Throughout the treatment, it was observed the deterioration of patients' mood. In this regard, emphasizes the importance of dental and psychological follow-up, within the framework of a multidisciplinary care for patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy treatment.

Clinical evaluation of multiple-surface ART restorations: three-year follow-up

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Púrpura trombocitopênica idiopática: importância do cirurgião-dentista no diagnóstico

This paper presents a case report of a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) diagnosed in routine dental care. ITP is defined as a decrease in the number of circulating platelets and generally shows oral manifestations. In this light, we show that the general dental practitioner must be ready to detect ITP signs and symptoms, especially oral changes that are not of dental origin, so as to immediately prescribe the proper treatment. Without this treatment, this pathology may well be irreversible and fatal.