A single-centre investigator-blinded randomised parallel-group study protocol to investigate the influence of an acclimatisation appointment on children's behaviour during N2O/O2 sedation as measured by psychological, behavioural and real-time physiological parameters

Effectiveness and predictive factors of nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation sedation for paediatric dental procedures: a retrospective cohort study of Thai children

PURPOSE

To investigate the effectiveness and predictive factors of nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation sedation (NOIS) in Thai paediatric dental patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of children receiving dental treatments under NOIS between March 2022 and August 2024 was conducted. A sedation session was evaluated as effective when the Overall Houpt Behaviour Rating Scale was greater than or equal to 4 and there were no acute adverse events from NOIS during or within 24 h of sedation. Predictive factors were assessed using the Poisson regression with robust error variance and generalised estimating equations.

RESULTS

A total of 224 sedation sessions from 134 Thai patients aged 3-12 years were included. Of these sessions, 86.2% were considered effective. In the multivariable analysis, previous NOIS experience and the child's preoperative anxiety level were associated with the effectiveness of NOIS. The risk ratio for effective sedation was 13% higher for children with prior NOIS experience compared to those undergoing NOIS for the first time (RR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25, p value < 0.05). In addition, the risk ratio for effective sedation in non-anxious children was 41% higher than for extremely anxious children (RR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.07-1.86, p value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NOIS is safe and effective for dental treatment in Thai children, with minimal adverse events. Its effectiveness is particularly pronounced in children who have prior experience with NOIS and present as non-anxious.

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

INTRODUCTION

This study explores the feasibility and effects of music therapy on anticipatory nausea and vomiting, stress, pain and quality of life in adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

This is a single group, quasi-experimental study using pre/post-test design. Participants received four individual sessions of music therapy (MT), led by a certified music therapist. State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory Y-1, and a 0-4 Likert scale for pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Heart rate variability (LF/HF) was collected during sessions. PedsQL was collected before and at the end of the trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting, both pre-post single sessions and between different sessions, was observed. A significant increase in LF/HF and PedsQL scores was observed. Relevant themes also emerged from interviews.

CONCLUSION

Results support the feasibility of introducing music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants.

Effect of music therapy intervention on anxiety and pain during percutaneous renal biopsy: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) may subject patients to emotional distress and pain before and during the biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complementary/non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy (MT) on anxiety, pain and satisfaction in renal patients undergoing PRB.

Methods

A prospective, single-centre, single-blind, randomized controlled two-arm trial was conducted. Patients ≥18 years of age, hospitalized at the Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit (Bari, Italy) and scheduled for PRB were screened. Participants were assigned to standard treatment (CG) or to the music therapy (MT) intervention group. Participants in the MT group received standard care and an MT intervention by a certified music therapist qualified in guided imagery and music. The CG patients received the standard of care. MT and CG patients were subjected to identical measurements (pre/post) of the parameters in the State Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1 (STAI-Y1), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-P) and satisfaction (VAS-S) and heart rate variability.

Results

A statistically significant difference in the anxiety scores after PRB between MT and CG patients (STAI-Y1 35.4 ± 6.2 versus 42.9 ± 9.0) was observed. MT also had strong and significant effects on VAS-P compared with CG (5.0 ± 1.4 versus 6.3 ± 1.3, respectively; P < .001) and VAS-S (7.8 ± 1.0 versus 6.0 ± 0.9, respectively; P < .001). Decreased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system was observed after PRB in the MT group.

Conclusion

Our study supports the use of MT to mitigate the psychological anxiety, pain and sympathetic activation associated with PRB.

BDJ Open (2019-2020) and the advantages of open access publishing

BDJ Open is the open access sister journal to the British Dental Journal, and this paper aims to explore the various different articles that BDJ Open has published between 2019 and 2020, in order to highlight which areas authors felt were important to publish open access. Furthermore, this article will investigate the advantages of open access publishing to both authors and readers, as well as the scientific community in general, and will examine how open access publishing has allowed the BDJ Portfolio to publish a wide range of research, both in terms of topic and geography.

Examines papers published in BDJ Open between 2019 and 2020 to highlight which areas researchers felt were important to publish open access.

Discusses the advantages of open access publishing to authors, readers and the scientific community.

Explores how open access publishing has allowed the BDJ Portfolio to publish a far wider range of research both geographically and subject-wise.