Clinical outcomes of dental implants in head and neck cancer patients: An overview

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implants (DIs) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy (RT), isolated chemotherapy, or bone modifying agents (BMAs).

STUDY DESIGN

This study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018102772); conducted via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist; and based on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and gray literature searches. The selection of studies was performed in 2 phases by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2.

RESULTS

Twenty systematic reviews were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority scored as having high RoB (n = 11). Primary DIs placement in the mandible of patients with HNC subjected to RT doses <50 Gy was associated with better survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The placements of DIs could be considered safe in patients with HNC in sites of alveolar bone that received RT (≤5000 Gy); however, no conclusions could be made in patients with cancer managed by chemotherapy or BMAs. Due to the heterogeneity of studies included, the recommendation for DIs placement in patients with cancer should be carefully considered. Future better controlled randomized clinical trials are required to provide enhanced clinical guidelines for best patient care.

The continuous increase in the number of systemic lupus erythematosus cases in Brazil in the COVID-19 era

This study aims to reevaluate and compare the data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) on the number of diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the pre-pandemic period with those in the pandemic period, as well as to compare the first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil with the last year (2021), to update the data, and to verify whether SLE disease control measures were effective in 2021. There was a consistent and significant increase in the incidence of SLE cases all over Brazil between the first and second pandemic years and between the pre-pandemic triennium and the second pandemic year. Therefore, it is inescapable to have larger clinical studies with different populations to better understand the relationship between these two conditions and find measures to improve the control of this disease.

Do Orofacial Clefts Impair Breastfeeding and Increase the Prevalence of Anemia?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to correlate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and breastfeeding with orofacial clefts in children.

DESIGN

Data on the participant profile, presence and type of the cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), and records on anemia and breastfeeding were collected from patients' charts, and submitted to statistical analysis by χ² test (p < .05; software SPSS 23.0).

RESULTS

Two-hundred and ten files were divided according to: CL/P presence (cleft group;   n = 132) or absence (control group;   n = 78). Group CL/P was subdivided according to the type of cleft: CL/P-I (cleft lip;   n = 35); CL/P-II (cleft lip and palate;   n = 45); CL/P-III (cleft palate;   n = 43); and CL/P-IV (rare orofacial clefts;   n = 9). Group CL/P had significantly more records on anemia (p = .016) and fewer records on breastfeeding (P<.01) than controls. More records on anemia occurred in CL/P-II (p = .004) and CL/P-IV (p = .006) than the control group. The comparison among the orofacial cleft types regarding the anemia records showed no statistically significant differences (p = .123). Group CL/P-I had more records on breastfeeding than the other cleft types (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, it is suggested that the breastfeeding process is more complex, and the history of anemia is more frequent, in children with cleft lip and palate or rare orofacial clefts than in children without clefts.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 on the diagnoses of Hansen's disease in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has limited the access of patients with Hansen's disease (HD) to care due to changes in routine health services.

METHODS

To ascertain this, we compared the number of HD cases diagnosed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The decrease in HD cases in Brazil reached 18,223 (-48.4%), corresponding to an average reduction of 1,518 cases per month during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, effective measures should be implemented to minimize the damage and the consequent negative health impact of COVID-19 on the care of HD patients.

Could the photobiomodulation therapy induce angiogenic growth factors expression from dental pulp cells?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different photobiomodulation (PBM) radiant exposures on the viability, proliferation, and gene expression of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth (HPF) involved in the pulp tissue repair. HPF were irradiated with Laser InGaAlP (Twin Flex Evolution, MMOptics®) at 660-nm wavelength (red); single time, continuous mode, 0.04-cm² laser tip area, and 0.225-cm laser tip diameter, keeping the distance of 1 mm between the laser beam and the cell culture. The doses used were between 1.2 and 6.2 J/cm² and were evaluated at the 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after PBM. MTT and crystal violet assays evaluated the cell viability and proliferation. RT-PCR verified VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression. A blinded examiner analyzed the data through two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p < 0.05). The groups with higher powers (10 mW, 15 mW, 20 mW, and 25 mW), shortest application periods (10 s), and radiant exposures between 2.5 and 6.2 J/cm² exhibited statistically higher viability than that of the groups with small power (5 mW), longer application period (50 s), and radiant exposure of 6.2 J/cm² (p < 0.05). VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression were observed at the three evaluated periods (6 h, 12 h, and 24 h) and the highest expression was in the shortest period (p < 0.05). All radiant exposures maintained HPF viable. The period of 6 h after irradiation showed statistically greater gene expression for both growth factors than other periods. VEGF mRNA had no differences among the dosimetries studied. The best radiant exposures for FGF-2 gene expression were 2.5 J/cm² and 3.7 J/cm².

Cancer diagnosis in Brazil in the COVID-19 era

The comprehensive care and treatment for cancer patients in Brazil, regulated by the National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy, is provided by Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) in certified health institution. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, several restrictive measures have been implemented by the State federation's governments, and cancer diagnosis reference centers were also impacted by these measures. Thus, this study aimed to compare SUS-oriented cancer diagnosis in Brazil before and during the pandemic so far. The average number of cancer diagnoses has dropped considerably in all Brazilian Regions since the pandemic period started. The number of new cancer cases has plunged in all regions, ranged from -24.3% in the North to -42.7% in Northeast region. The overall Brazilian average deficit reached 35.5%, corresponding to about 15,000 undiagnosed cases of cancer monthly. The pandemic period has dramatically reduced the diagnosis of new cases of cancer in Brazil, since consultations in public health services were compromised by restrictive measures. Therefore, effective measures must be urgently put in action in order to minimize the damage, and consequently, the negative health impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the care of cancer patients.

Clinical, Radiographic and Histological Evaluation of Primary Teeth Pulpotomy Using MTA And Ferric Sulfate

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and histological outcomes of the dentin-pulp complex from primary molars after pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and 15.5% ferric sulfate (FS). Thirty-one primary molars were randomly allocated into MTA or FS groups. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were recorded at 3-, 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up. Teeth at the regular exfoliation period were extracted and processed for histological analysis. Clinical and radiographic data were tested by statistical analysis (p≤0.01). Histological outcomes were analyzed descriptively. All of the treated teeth presented clinical success over the experimental periods. Both groups exhibited 100% of radiographic success at 3, 6 and 12 months. At the 18-month follow-up, one tooth from FS group presented inter-radicular radiolucency (p>0.01). Histologically, the treated teeth presented pulp vitality and absence of inflammatory infiltrate into the connective tissue. Only MTA group showed hard tissue barrier surrounded by odontoblasts over the pulp stumps. Both MTA and 15.5% FS are effective for pulpotomies of primary teeth. Although MTA is considered the first-choice material, FS may be a suitable alternative when treatment cost is an issue.

Laser treatment contributes to maintain membrane integrity in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (shed) under nutritional deficit

This study aimed to analyze the effects of laser irradiation on the membrane integrity and viability of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) that were kept in serum starvation. Nutritional deficit was used to mimic the cellular stress conditions of SHED isolation for regenerative dental approaches, where laser therapy could be beneficial. SHED were cultured under serum starvation (MEMα + 1%FBS) for 1 or 24 h pre-irradiation (protocols A and B, respectively). Then, cells received low-level laser therapy (LLLT; 660 nm) at 2.5 J/cm² (0.10 W; groups I and V), 5.0 J/cm² (0.20 W; groups II and VI), 7.5 J/cm² (0.30 W; groups III and VII), or remained non-irradiated (groups IV and VIII). During irradiation, cells were maintained in 1% FBS (groups I-IV) or 10% FBS (normal culture conditions; groups V-VIII). Membrane integrity was evaluated by quantifying lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (immediately after irradiation), and cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay (24, 48, and 72 h post-irradiation). Serum starvation did not alter LDH release by non-irradiated SHED, while LDH release decreased significantly in groups irradiated in 1% FBS (I and III), but not in groups irradiated in 10% FBS (V-VII), regardless the pre-irradiation conditions (protocols A/B). Cell viability was significantly higher 24 h after irradiation, in most protocol A groups. In contrast, cell viability remained mostly unaltered in protocol B groups. LLLT contributed to maintain membrane integrity in SHED subjected to nutritional deficit before and during irradiation with 0.10 or 0.30 W. Short serum starvation before irradiation improved SHED viability at 24 h post-irradiation.

Storage protocol of dental pulp cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

Objective: This study aimed to isolate the cells from the dental pulp tissue of human primary teeth, study the capacity of proliferation, characterize the cells and standardize the technique of culture and expansion to create a cell banking. Material and Methods: Primary teeth with no caries and orthodontic reasons were extracted for pulp tissue obtainment. The cells were extracted from the pulp cells, isolated and cultured under ideal conditions until full expansion. Results: After consecutive passages, the cultured cells were characterized using immunofluorescence technique and frozen between the 2nd and 6th passage, thus creating a biorepository of dental pulp cells from human primary teeth. Conclusion: The creation of a cell banking from dental pulp cells from human primary teeth enables the easy application of cells in laboratorial studies, reducing the cost and time for obtaining the samples, avoid the involvement of new subjects and allow a fast reproducibility of the researches. KeywordsCell culture techniques; Tooth, deciduous; Pulp; Fibroblasts; Cryopreservation.

Inflammatory follicular cysts associated to necrotic primary teeth

BACKGROUND

Cysts are pathological cavities lined by epithelium and supported by connective tissue, containing fluid or semi-fluid substances and presenting developmental or inflammatory origins.

CASE REPORT

This study aimed to evaluate a case series of inflammatory follicular cysts in children to clarify their nomenclature, diagnosis, clinical implications and treatment outcomes. Prevalence, aetio-pathogenesis, clinical, radiographic and microscopic findings, treatments and sequelae of this condition were assessed by using the records of patients treated between 2000 and 2015. Data were analysed and presented descriptively.

FOLLOW-UP

This was performed periodically for 2 years to monitor lesion regression and complete eruption of impacted permanent teeth. All of the involved permanent teeth erupted naturally. Twelve cases of asymptomatic lesions with volumetric bone expansion were identified through radiographic findings or delayed tooth eruption in patients aged between 8 and 14 years. After establishing the diagnosis of inflammatory follicular cyst, necrotic primary teeth extraction was followed by decompression of the cystic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated cases were consistent with inflammatory follicular cyst diagnoses. The proposed treatment was considered to be appropriate, that was revealed by the maintenance of the permanent teeth involved during the patients follow-up.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulates the proliferation of a variety of types of cells. However, very little is known about its effect on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of Low-Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of primary teeth

AIM

This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of human primary teeth.

METHODS

Sixty mandibular primary molars of children aged between 5-9 years were assigned into four groups: Diluted Formocresol (FC), Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Calcium Hydroxide preceded by Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT + CH). The clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12 and 18 post-operative months.

RESULTS

All the groups studied were successful in the clinical evaluation over the follow-up period. At 6 months, the radiographic success rate for FC group was 100%, 60% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 85.7% for LLLT + CH group. After 12 months, the radiographic success rate was 100% for FC group, 50% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 78.6% for LLLT + CH group. At the 18 months follow-up, 100% of the FC group, 66.7% of CH group, 73.3% of the LLLT group and 75% of the LLLT + CH group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Low Level Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjuvant alternative for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth. Low Level Laser Therapy preceding the use of calcium hydroxide showed satisfactory results.

Terapia pulpar em dentes decíduos: possibilidades terapêuticas baseadas em evidências

INTRODUÇÃO: A pulpotomia em dentes decíduos é uma técnica conservadora de terapia pulpar amplamente utilizada em Odontopediatria, sendo de fundamental importância para evitar a perda prematura desses dentes, quer seja por alterações provocadas pela cárie dentária ou traumatismo dentário. Apesar de ser uma técnica estudada há muitos anos, causa muitas controvérsias e discussões, principalmente em termos de biocompatibilidade dos medicamentos empregados e pelas dificuldades e falhas no diagnóstico da condição pulpar. OBJETIVO: Por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, no período compreendido entre 2000 e 2011, e com enfoque em estudos clínicos randomizados, revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises, este trabalho teve como objetivo discutir, com base em evidências científicas, alternativas para o tratamento de pulpotomia em dentes decíduos humanos. CONCLUSÃO: As evidências científicas fidedignas com o uso de materiais capeadores pulpares e as técnicas de Eletrocirurgia e Laser de Baixa Potência foram escassas. Desta forma, sugere-se a realização de estudos complementares bem delineados estatisticamente para maiores esclarecimentos. As informações geradas em tais experimentos poderão contribuir para um melhor entendimento dos mecanismos da terapia pulpar, podendo gerar o desenvolvimento de protocolos com novas formas terapêuticas, que visam a melhorar a terapia pulpar em dentes decíduos.

Rat subcutaneous tissue response to MTA Fillapex® and Portland cement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of rat subcutaneous tissue to MTA Fillapex® (Angelus), an experimental root canal filling material based on Portland cement and propylene glycol (PCPG), and a zinc oxide, eugenol and iodoform (ZOEI) paste. These materials were placed in polyethylene tubes and implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats for 7 and 15 days. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated regarding inflammatory reaction parameters by optical microscopy. The intensity of inflammatory response against the sealers was analyzed by two blinded and previously calibrated examiners for all experimental periods (kappa=0.96). The histological evaluation showed that all materials caused a moderate inflammatory reaction at 7 days, which subsided with time. A greater inflammatory reaction was observed at 7 days in the tubes filled with ZOEI paste. Tubes filled with MTA Fillapex presented some giant cells, macrophages and lymphocytes after 7 days. At 15 days, the presence of fibroblasts and collagen fibers was observed indicating normal tissue healing. The tubes filled with PCPG showed similar results to those observed in MTA Fillapex. At 15 days, the inflammatory reaction was almost absent at the tissue, with several collagen fibers indicating normal tissue healing. Data were analyzed by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found only between PCPG at 15 days and ZOEI at 7 days groups. No significant differences were observed among the other groups/periods (p>0.05). MTA Fillapex and Portland cement added with propylene glycol had greater tissue compatibility than the PCPG paste.