Evaluation of Swallowing Function in Relation to Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Operated Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVE

To determine the occurrence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) signs and symptoms in patients with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 15 adolescents with operated unilateral CLP (CLP group) and 15 non-cleft volunteers (control group). Initially, the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was administered to subjects. OD signs and symptoms such as coughing, the sensation of choking, globus sensation, the need to clear the throat, nasal regurgitation, difficulties of bolus control multiple swallowing were evaluated by patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing function. Also, the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale was used to determine the severity of the OD. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with water, yogurt, and crackers was performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OD signs and symptoms based on patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing was low (range, 6.7 to 26.7%), and nonsignificant differences were observed between the groups for these parameters as well as for EAT-10 scores. According to the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale findings, 11 of 15 patients with CLP were asymptomatic. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing indicated that post-swallow pharyngeal wall residues with yogurt were significant in the CLP group with a prevalence of 53% ( P < 0.05), whereas differences between the groups in terms of cracker and water residues were nonsignificant ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

OD in patients with repaired CLP was manifested mainly in the form of pharyngeal residue. However, it did not appear to cause significant increases in patient complaints compared with healthy individuals.

Evaluation of swallowing in transverse maxillary deficiency patients before and after rapid maxillary expansion

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate swallowing function in relation to oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in adolescents who had transverse maxillary deficiency with posterior crossbite and high-arched palate, before, and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients (mean age: 13.0 ± 3.1) with bilateral posterior crossbite and high-arched palate (RME group: RMEG) and 20 volunteers (mean age: 13.4 ± 2.6) with Class I crowding without posterior crossbite or high-arched palate (control group: CG) were recruited. OD signs and symptoms were evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire, patient complaints, and physical examination of swallowing function before (T1) and 7 months after (T2) RME. Additionally, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with water, yogurt, and cracker was performed. In CG, evaluation of swallowing was performed only once, corresponding to T1 of RMEG.

RESULTS

Prevalence of OD signs and symptoms based on patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing was low (5%-15%), and nonsignificant differences were observed between CG and RMEG at T1 for these parameters as well as for EAT-10 scores. Total post-swallow pharyngeal residue with yogurt was significantly different between CG and RMEG at T1, with a prevalence of 60% in RMEG (P < .05). There was no significant difference regarding residue with yogurt between T1 and T2 in RMEG (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a maxillary transverse deficiency were affected by pharyngeal residue as indicated by FEES, but it did not appear to improve in short-term follow-up in patients treated with RME.

Three-dimensional digital evaluation of tooth symmetry and volume in patients with missing and peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the 3-dimensional tooth crown symmetry and the crown volumes of maxillary and mandibular teeth in patients with unilateral or bilateral missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors.

METHODS

Six groups were established for the possible clinical variations in patients with unilateral missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors, bilateral presence of these tooth anomalies, and a control group (CG) with normal lateral incisors. The study was conducted on digital dental models of 132 patients. The morphologic symmetry of the antimere teeth was investigated using 3-dimensional deviation analysis. Volumes of contralateral teeth were compared within and among groups for the maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, volumes of teeth were compared in missing and peg-shaped quadrants and quadrants of CG. Intergroup differences were tested using one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests, whereas paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used for parametric and nonparametric variables, respectively, for intragroup comparisons.

RESULTS

Significant deviations in symmetry of antimere teeth were not detected (P >0.05). The volumes of mandibular central and lateral incisors in missing or peg-shaped lateral incisor groups were smaller than in the CG (P <0.05). Per quadrant analysis, volumes of the maxillary central incisor and mandibular central incisors, canines, and first molars in quadrants with missing or peg-shaped lateral incisors were smaller than in the control quadrants (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither unilateral nor bilateral presence of missing or peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors affected the morphologic symmetry of antimere teeth but did affect tooth volume, especially in the mandibular arch.

Evaluating the levels of knowledge and attitudes of emergency medical technicians and paramedics toward traumatic dental injuries

Objectives

The first aid implemented just after the traumatic dental injury (TDI) is of vital importance. This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics toward TDI and their levels of knowledge about the issue.

Subjects and Methods

A questionnaire, which comprised 14 questions, was applied to 389 EMTs and paramedics all across Turkey. The questionnaires were sent to the participants through e-mails, and the results were obtained by an online system.

Results

336 out of 389 EMTs and paramedics (86.4%) mentioned that they did not have any training about the TDI issue. On the other hand, among the ones who mentioned that they received this training, 50.9% suggested that the training was not sufficient. It was observed that 63.5% of the participants encountered cases of injuries in oral and dental regions, and in 83% of these cases the only treatment applied was bleeding intervention. About 75.6% of them think that an avulsed tooth cannot be reimplanted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it was determined that the EMTs and paramedics did not have sufficient and accurate information about the TDI. Lack of knowledge about TDI prevents rapid and accurate intervention to the cases.

Comparison of 2 treatment protocols using fixed functional appliances in Class II malocclusion: Treatment results and stability

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this research was to compare the 2 treatment protocols including a functional mandibular advancer (FMA; Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany) followed by multibracket appliances (MBAs) vs a Forsus device (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) in combination with MBA concerning treatment outcomes and posttreatment stability.

METHODS

This study was conducted using lateral cephalograms of patients who were treated with MBA, which was used either after an FMA or concurrently with a Forsus device, and of patients who had untreated Class II malocclusion (control group). Each group consisted of 19 subjects in cervical stage 2 or cervical stage 3 stages according to the cervical vertebral maturation index. Cephalograms were taken for the treated groups at T1 (pretreatment), T2 (completion of the MBA treatment), and T3 (at least 2 years after T2).

RESULTS

Significant intergroup differences at the T1-T2 period were observed in favor of the FMA concerning mandibular advancement, intermaxillary relationship, and mandibular elongation. With Forsus treatment, restrained maxillary growth and a slightly improved intermaxillary relationship rebounded after treatment (P <0.05). At the end of treatment, mandibular incisor protrusion and occlusal plane rotation were greater in the Forsus group than in the FMA group (P <0.05), and maxillary incisor retroclination was significant in the Forsus group. During the posttreatment period, although no significant changes were present in the incisors' inclination, relapses of the T1-T2 improvements in overjet and overbite and the recidive of the occlusal plane rotation were significantly higher in the Forsus group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment protocol including an FMA was found to be more effective with mandibular skeletal effects and was more stable with a lesser degree of relapse in overjet and overbite than the Forsus protocol.

Comparative evaluation of combined remineralization agents on demineralized tooth surface

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of casein phosphopeptides (CPP)-ACPF, NovaMin+ fluoride-containing toothpaste and Xylitol+ fluoride containing cream on demineralized areas on the enamel surface.

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 enamel slab samples was prepared to investigate in the laboratory experiments. For this purpose, a total of 50 freshly extracted third molar teeth which completed root formation split into two portions in the mesiodistal direction. Enamel surfaces were immersed in a pH cycling protocol as described in the literature to simulate oral conditions for 9 days in order to evaluate the effect of test materials on the artificial enamel lesions. Then the remineralization agents were applied on the enamel surfaces, and we analyzed their effects.

Results

We used Vickers Microhardness with the purpose of calculating the amount of lost or acquisition of minerals on the enamel surface qualitatively; inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to define the calcium and phosphorus ions that dissolved in acid. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's T Post-Hoc tests were performed to distinguish significant differences among groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Remineralization was provided in all treated groups, according to the data obtained from all tests. NovaMin was more effective in increasing acid resistance. It was also found that all three experimental groups were effective in increasing the surface hardness, but CPP-ACPF and NovaMin are more effective than Xylitol. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups.

Burnout among family physicians in Turkey: A comparison of two different primary care systems

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and associated factors among family physicians before and after family medicine system (FMS).

Materials and Method

The first part of the study was conducted in 2008 (pre-FMS) and the second part in 2012 (post-FMS). Physician's burnout was investigated by using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). In total, 139 physicians had been participating pre-FMS and 246 physician's post-FMS.

Results

The mean pre-FMS emotional exhaustion score was 15.7 ± 5.8, increasing significantly to 17.14 ± 7.5 post-FMS (P = 0.045). Mean pre-FMS and post-FMS depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment scores were similar (P > 0.05). Age was negatively correlated with depersonalization in this study (P = 0.012) and positively correlated with personal accomplishment (P = 0.001). The primary care physicians in the post-FMS period were older, female physicians had a greater preference for primary care, and the levels of married doctors were higher. In addition, a higher level of physicians also owned their own home and cars compared to the pre-FMS period. A negative correlation has been reported between physicians' burnout levels and home or car ownership in the present study.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that physicians working under the family medicine system, a new primary care model, are at greater risk of emotional exhaustion, but that no change has occurred in terms of personal accomplishment or depersonalization, despite this new system.

Rational drug use and prescribing behavior of family physicians in Erzurum, Turkey

Background

Widespread irrational medical prescription adversely affects the outcomes of patient health and medical services.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the determinants of medical prescription behavior of family physicians in Erzurum Province.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during August-December 2016 on a voluntary sample of 191 out of 234 physicians (81.6%) working at family health centers in the districts of Erzurum. Physicians were visited at their workplaces, and data were collected using a self-administered and structured, 45-item questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the physicians was 34.7 ± 7.9 years, and 70.7% (n = 135) of the participants were males. About 83.8% (n = 160) of physicians responded "yes" or "sometimes" to the question "Do you prescribe medicine on demand of the patients?" The two most important factors that affected the prescribing behavior of the participants were the pharmacology lectures attended during medical education (50.8%) and the prescribing experience acquired during clinical internship (46.0%). Presentations given by the representatives of drug companies, in-service training programs after graduation, and Internet/mobile phone applications had the lowest rate of contribution as behavioral determinants. The participants perceived having sufficient information in the areas of indication for use (77.5%) and daily dose (72.8%). Only 4.2% of participants deemed their knowledge of medication costs sufficient. Pharmacology lessons were found to be more effective in the prescribing behaviors of the physicians who had less than 10 years of professional experience (Chi-square = 12.131; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Rational medical prescription continues to be a trouble among family physicians. The study findings suggest a substantial knowledge gap in participating physicians occurring after graduation and clinical internship training, in the areas of costs of medicine and rational medical prescribing.

Root resorption due to orthodontic treatment using self-ligating and conventional brackets : A cone-beam computed tomography study

OBJECTIVES

Purpose of the present study was to compare external root resorption (ERR) volumetrically in maxillary incisors induced by orthodontic treatment using self-ligating brackets (Damon Q, DQ) or conventional brackets (Titanium Orthos, TO) with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A sample of 32 subjects, with Angle Class I malocclusion and anterior crowding of 4-10 mm, was divided randomly into two groups: a DQ group, in which self-ligating DQ brackets with Damon archwires were used; and a TO group, in which conventional TO brackets with large Orthos archwires were applied. The study was conducted using CBCT scans taken before (T1), and near the end (9 months after the initiation of treatment; T2) of the orthodontic treatment. The extent of ERR was determined volumetrically using Mimics software. Changes in root volume were evaluated by repeated-measures analysis of variance as well as by paired and independent t-tests.

RESULTS

While significant differences were found between T1 and T2 for root volume in both groups (p < 0.05), there was no difference between the groups regarding the amount (mm³ or relative change) of ERR (p > 0.05). Maxillary central and lateral incisors showed similar volume loss (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the TO group showed a higher prevalence of palatinal and proximal slanted RR compared with the DQ group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It is not possible to suggest superiority of one bracket system over the other only considering root resorption pattern or amount. Higher incidence of slanted RR found in patients treated with the TO system warrants further research to identify possible specific causes.

Comparison of icodextrin with thymoquinone: A new hope for postoperative adhesions

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of thymoquinone and icodextrin in rats within the framework of an experimental adhesion model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were separated into three groups: (1) a control group consisting of rats that had 2 ml of isotonic solution administered intraperitoneally, (2) an ICO group administered with 2 ml of 4% icodextrin, and (3) a TQ group administered thymoquinone (10 mg/kg), all following cecal abrasion. The three groups underwent a reoperation on the 7th postoperative day. Hydroxyproline levels were analyzed in the resected adhesive tissues, and histopathological investigations were conducted. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

Fewer postoperative adhesions were observed in the ICO and TQ groups compared with the control group. A comparison of the TQ and ICO groups revealed lowers levels of postoperative adhesions in the TQ group. Compared with the control group, malondialdehyde, 8-OH-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG/10dG), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and CoenzymeQ10/reduced CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10/CoQ10H) values were found to be lower in the TQ and ICO groups. When the TQ and ICO groups were compared with respect to their biochemical parameters, the results for all of the four parameters were found to be statistically significantly lower in the TQ group (P < 0.000). The levels of hydroxyproline in the control, ICO, and TQ groups were found to be (mean ± standard deviation) 502.25 ± 90.39 μg/g, 342.13 ± 66.61 μg/g, and 287.88 ± 49.59 μg/g, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparison of the antiadhesive effects of thymoquinone and icodextrin revealed thymoquinone to be more effective. These results indicate that thymoquinone is an efficient and strong antiadhesive molecule.

The effects of maxillary expansion on the soft tissue facial profile

Purpose

The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the possible changes in soft tissue facial profile induced by orthopedic rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME), and to correlate them with the underlying hard tissue alterations.

Materials and Methods

16 patients who received bone borne SARME and 25 patients who were subjected to RME using metal cast splint hyrax appliance were analyzed retrospectively. This research was conducted on lateral cephalometric radiographs taken on 2 occasions: before expansion (T1) and at the beginning of any further orthodontic treatment (T2). Investigated lateral cephalometric parameters consisted of Holdaway soft tissue measurements with some supplementary soft tissue, skeletal and dental assessments.

Results

The acquisition of T2 cephalograms which conforms to the initiation of further orthodontic treatment corresponded to 83.25±3.51 days for SARME and 85.68±4.37 days for RME after the expansion was completed. The only significant change in soft tissue profile of the SARME group was a decrease in upper lip thickness (p<0.05), whereas in the RME group, decrease in soft tissue facial profile angle and increase in H angle were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05 for each). For the RME group, the changes in soft tissue facial profile angle and H angle correlated only with the changes in SNB angle (p<0.05).

Conclusion

While bone-borne SARME did not seem to possess the potential to alter soft tissue profile, tooth-borne RME caused a more convex soft tissue profile related to a reduction in SNB.

Survey on Retention Protocols Among Turkish Orthodontists

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify general retention protocols practiced by Turkish orthodontist and to compare the results obtained with those of similar studies in Western countries.

METHODS

The Web-based survey consisted of 29 questions: 3 to identify the demographic characteristics of the participants and 26 to examine how orthodontists manage the retention phase. Data was interpreted by descriptive statistical methods such as the median test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The survey return rate was 73.8%. Pretreatment malocclusion status (87%), oral hygiene status (78%), and presence of third molars (63%) were reported to be the most important factors in determining the type of retainer. Bonded retainers, either alone (29% in maxilla and 34% in mandible) or supplemented with vacuum-formed retainers (27% in maxilla and 32% in mandible) were the most commonly used type of retainer. The preference for lifelong retention varied from 7% to 19%. Female orthodontists scheduled the first appointment after debonding sooner than male orthodontists (p<0.05). Orthodontists working in universities scheduled first appointments later than orthodontists working in private practices (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Turkish orthodontists still give importance to the third molars in their retention protocols, contrary to what is suggested in the current literature, and lifetime retention is rarely preferred as compared to other countries.

Comparison of stepwise vs single-step advancement with the Functional Mandibular Advancer in Class II division 1 treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare two groups of subjects at the peak of the pubertal growth period treated with the Functional Mandibular Advancer (FMA; Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany) appliance using either single-step or stepwise mandibular advancement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 34 Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects at or just before the peak phase of pubertal growth as assessed by hand-wrist radiographs. Subjects were assigned to two groups of mandibular advancement, using matched randomization. Both groups were treated with the FMA. While the mandible was advanced to a super Class I molar relation in the single-step advancement group (SSG), patients in the stepwise mandibular advancement group (SWG) had a 4-mm initial bite advancement and subsequent 2-mm advancements at bimonthly intervals. The material consisted of lateral cephalograms taken before treatment and after 10 months of FMA treatment. Data were analyzed by means paired t-tests and an independent t-test.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant changes in SNB, Pg horizontal, ANB, Co-Gn, and Co-Go measurements in both groups (P < .001); these changes were greater in the SWG with the exception of Co-Go (P < .05). While significant differences were found in U1-SN, IMPA, L6 horizontal, overjet, and overbite appraisals in each group (P < .001), these changes were comparable (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Because of the higher rates of sagittal mandibular skeletal changes, FMA using stepwise advancement of the mandible might be the appliance of choice for treating Class II division 1 malocclusions.

Intraoperatively Testing the Anastomotic Integrity of Esophagojejunostomy Using Methylene Blue

Background:

Intraoperative testing of gastrointestinal anastomosis effectively ensures anastomotic integrity. This study investigated whether the routine use of methylene blue intraoperatively identified leaks to reduce the postoperative proportion of clinical leaks.

Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzed consecutive total gastrectomies performed from January 2007 to December 2014 in a university hospital setting by a general surgical group that exclusively used the methylene blue test. All surgeries were performed for gastric or junctional cancers (n = 198). All reconstructions (Roux-en Y esophagojejunostomy) were performed using a stapler. The methylene blue test was used in 108 cases (group 1) via a nasojejunal tube. No test was performed for the other 90 cases (group 2). Intraoperative leakage rate, postoperative clinical leakage rate, length of hospitalization, and mortality rate were the outcome measures.

Results:

The intraoperative leakage rate was 7.4% in group 1. The postoperative clinical leakage rate was 8.6%. The postoperative clinical leakage rate was 3.7% in group 1 and 14.4% in group 2 (p = 0.007). There were no postoperative clinical leaks when an intraoperative leak led to concomitant intraoperative repair. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days in group 1 and 8 days in group 2 (p < 0.001). One death occurred in each group. No test-related complications were observed.

Conclusion:

The methylene blue test for esophagojejunostomy is a safe and reliable method for the assessment of anastomosis integrity, especially in cases with difficult esophagojejunostomic construction.

Acutely incarcerated abdominal wall hernia: what if it is a consequence?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis in patients with acutely incarcerated abdominal wall hernia (AWH).

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent emergency surgery with preoperative diagnosis of acutely incarcerated AWH and in whom acutely incarcerated AWH was the consequence of increased intraabdominal pressure due to other abdominal emergencies were reviewed. The following data were collected: demographics, the duration between the onset of symptoms and admission, clinical findings, biochemical test results that were abnormal, radiological findings, preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis, operative findings, surgical procedure, different diagnosis made in the postoperative period, reoperation, morbidity, mortality, and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included to the study. The primary pathology was found to be perforated peptic ulcer disease in three, bowel obstruction due to neoplastic mass in three, complicated appendicitis in two, acute mesenteric ischemia in one, and acute diverticulitis in one. The correct diagnosis was made during emergency surgery for hernia repair, whereas the primary pathology was identified postoperatively in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who are diagnosed to have acutely incarcerated AWH preoperatively should undergo further diagnostic workup, if any level of clinical suspicion for differential diagnosis is present. Moreover, the surgeon should consider general abdominal exploration if contradictory findings are encountered during the exploration of the hernia sac, even if preoperative diagnostic studies reveal no gross pathology or non-specific findings.

[Making the differential diagnosis between pituitary apoplexy and craniopharyngioma]

Pituitary apoplexy is characterized by an abrupt neurological deteriorating condition associated with rapid expansion of the pituitary gland, caused by ischemic necrosis and hemorrhage. Craniopharyngioma may be difficult to distinguish from pituitary apoplexy. In this study, we discuss a case of pituitary apoplexy in a 19-year-old male patient. In our patient, the tumor was confused with a craniopharyngioma because of the suprasellar extension of the tumor on magnetic resonance (MR) images and the hyperintensity in T1-weighted images, the young age of the patient, and the gradually progressive onset of the symptoms. In conclusion, even without a known history of pituitary adenoma or an abrupt onset of the clinical symptoms, the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy should be considered in a patient with a suprasellar mass hyperintensity in T1-weighted MR images, which may mimic craniopharyngioma.

Transpalatal distraction using bone-borne distractor: clinical observations and dental and skeletal changes

PURPOSE

The aim of this clinical study was to analyze the outcome, complications, and long-term results of transpalatal distraction for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) and assess skeletal and dental changes in the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes through cephalograms and dental casts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten adult patients with MTD were treated with a Transpalatal Distractor (Surgi-Tec, Bruges, Belgium). Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric films and dental casts were taken before surgery and at the end of the consolidation period. The statistical analysis of cephalometric film and dental cast measurements was undertaken with paired t tests.

RESULTS

The intraoperative and postoperative problems encountered were damage to the central incisive teeth as a result of vertical osteotomy, wound dehiscence after the latent period, pain during the distraction period, and loosening of the distractor and buccal displacement of the left alveolar segment during the consolidation period. Model analysis showed that the greatest amount of transverse increase was in the premolar region (7.07 mm for first premolar and 7.10 mm for second premolar). Frontal cephalometric analysis indicated that transverse distances increased more at the alveolar level (7.75 mm) than in the maxillary base (5.25 mm) and nasal region (4.3 mm). The asymmetries between the left and right sides in both dental and skeletal expansions were statistically nonsignificant. The changes in the Sella-nasion-point A, Sella-nasion-point B, Sella-nasion and gonion-gnasion angles were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, transpalatal distraction was found to be a clinically effective technique for palatal expansion in adult patients with MTD. However, treatment planning and regular clinical follow-up visits are necessary for long-term clinical success.

Evaluation of acute and late radiation morbidity in patients with gynaecologic malignancy using the RTOG criteria and Franco-Italian glossary

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate acute and late radiation morbidity in patients with gynaecologic malignancy using the RTOG criteria and Franco-Italian glossary, and to compare the usefulness and disadvantages of each system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2001 and February 2003, 107 patients with gynaecologic malignancy who received either radical or djuvant external radiotherapy +/- intracavitary brachytherapy or radiochemotherapy were enrolled in this study. The patients were evaluated before radiotherapy and weekly during radiotherapy for acute morbidity using the RTOG grading system and Franco-Italian glossary. Postradiotherapy evaluation was done one month after radiotherapy and at 3-month intervals thereafter. Median follow-up duration was 17 months. Morbidity was graded and recorded according to each scoring system.

RESULTS

Median age was 46 years (range 37-82). Sixty-four patients (59.8%) had endometrial cancer. Radical radiotherapy was applied to 26 patients because of inoperability and 81 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Biologically effective doses for the bladder, rectum and vagina were 98.39, 103.54 and 121.81, respectively, for late morbidity (BED3); 70.88, 72.84 and 80.92, respectively, for acute morbidity (BED10). According to the RTOG grading system acute morbidity rate for the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems, and skin were 52.3%, 83.2% and 63.5%, respectively. Late morbidity rate for the bladder, colon-rectum, skin and vagina were 16.8%, 20.6%, 47.7% and 51.4%, respectively. The morbidity rate for the bladder, nonspecific abdominal, hematopoietic system, uterus-vulva-vagina, skin and rectum were 35.4%, 29.9%, 5.6%, 60.8%, 40.1% and 32.7%, respectively using the Franco-Italian glossary. In patients with carcinoma of the vulva--whose treatment fields were wider--acute morbidity rate according to RTOG criteria was higher (p = 0.057); photon energy (6 Mv rather than 1.25 MV) (p = 0.01) and treatment interruption of more than eight days (p = 0.019) were correlated with decreased long-term morbidity. According to the Franco-Italian glossary morbidity rates were higher in patients who received chemotherapy (p = 0.047), both external radiotherapy and brachytherapy (p = 0.022) and treatment interruption of less than eight days (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

There is no common language between the RTOG grading system and Franco-Italian glossary for defining and scoring radiation morbidity. Up to date no standard and well-defined system has been developed for recording and reporting acute and late radiation morbidity in gynaecologic malignancy, but rather it depends on the subjective evaluation and experience of a radiation oncologist and subjective complaints of the patient, and sometimes on clinical findings. A standard and well-defined user friendly objective scoring system is needed to define and predict the morbidity rate more properly.

Results of postoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of uterine sarcomas: a retrospective analysis of 46 patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment outcome, survival data and prognostic factors in patients with uterine sarcoma treated by postoperative radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 46 patients treated between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Median age was 55 (range 31-75). There were 21 mixed mullerian tumors, 12 leiomyosarcomas, 11 endometrial stromal sarcomas and two adenosarcomas. According to FIGO classification 65.2% were Stage I, 17.4% Stage II, 13% Stage III and 4.3% Stage IV. All patients received external radiotherapy with 1.8 Gy daily fractions up to 50.4-64 Gy (median 50.4 Gy). Intracavitary brachytherapy was applied to 39 patients. Twelve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 48 months (6-144 months). Seventeen patients (37%) developed distant metastases and one patient had local failure. Five-year overall, disease-free and local recurrence-free survival rates were 57.8%, 60.5% and 97.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that stage (p = 0.011), histologic subtype (p = 0.010), tumor size (p = 0.044), positive peritoneal cytology (p = 0.006) and the use of chemotherapy (p = 0.005) had a significant effect on overall survival. Prognostic factors influencing disease-free survival were stage (p = 0.009), positive peritoneal cytology (p = 0.000) and the use of chemotherapy (p = 0.002). The only prognostic factor affecting local control was stage (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiotherapy seems to be an effective adjuvant treatment providing high local control rates in uterine sarcomas. However its efficacy should be clarified by randomized trials. The important prognostic factors influencing the treatment results were stage, histologic subtype, tumor size and positive peritoneal cytology.

Postoperative radiotherapy in intermediate and high-risk Stage I endometrial cancer: analysis of prognostic factors and survival

PURPOSE

Patients with Stage IA Grade (G) III, Stage IB GII-III and Stage IC GI-II-III endometrial cancer who received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy were evaluated in terms of local control, disease-free and overall survival rates and prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and three patients with Stage I endometrial cancer treated with radiotherapy from January 1990 to December 2003 at Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology were reviewed retrospectively. According to our radiotherapy protocol patients with Stage IB G2 disease (149 patients) received only external radiotherapy and the remaining (254 patients) received both external radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy.

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 58 (range: 37-83). Nine patients (2.2%) had Stage IA, 196 (48.6%) had Stage IB and 198 (49.1%) had Stage IC disease. Histologic grade was 1 in 52 (12.9%) patients, 2 in 268 (66.5%) patients and 3 in 83 (20.6%) patients. Seventy-one (17.7%) patients had lymphovascular space invasion. Five-year locoregional relapse-free, distant-free, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 98.2%, 92.8%, 91.8% and 87.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, myometrial invasion and lymphovascular invasion were predictive factors for DFS and for OS prognostic factors were histologic type, myometrial invasion, and histologic grade. During radiotherapy 47.9% of the patients developed acute morbidity and 26.3% developed late morbidity, vaginal stenosis being the most frequent late morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy provides high locoregional control rates with acceptable toxicity in selected patients with Stage I endometrial carcinoma.

Magnetic resonance imaging measurement of left ventricular blood flow and coronary flow reserve in patients with chronic heart failure due to coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary sinus flow reflects global cardiac perfusion and has been used for the assessment of myocardial flow reserve, which is reduced in chronic heart failure(CHF). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) can be measured by using phase-contrast (PC)velocity-encoded cine (VEC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PURPOSE

To quantify and compare global left ventricular (LV) perfusion and CFR inpatients with CHF and in a healthy control group by measuring coronary sinus flow with PC VEC MRI, and to correlate this with global LV perfusion, segmental first-pass perfusion, and viability in the same patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cardiac MRI was performed in 20 patients with CHF of ischemic origin and in a control group of healthy subjects (n=11) at rest and after pharmacological stress induced by i.v. dipyridamole. The MRI protocol included cine MRI, VEC MRI, first-pass perfusion, and delayed contrast-enhanced MRI for viability.Global LV perfusion was quantified by measuring coronary sinus flow on VEC MRI at rest in all subjects. CFR was determined as the ratio of global LV perfusion before and after pharmacologic stress.

RESULTS

At rest, global LV perfusion was not significantly different in patients with CHF and the control group. After administration of dipyridamole, global LV perfusion and CFR were significantly lower in patients with CHF compared to the control group(P<0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between CFR and the number of infarcted and/or ischemic segments (P=0.083, P=0.037).

CONCLUSION

A combined cardiac MRI protocol including function and perfusion techniques together with VEC MRI can be used to evaluate global LV perfusion and CFR in patients with CHF. Global LV perfusion and CFR measurements may have potential in the monitoring of CHF. Impaired CFR may contribute to progressive decline in LV function in patients with CHF.

Treatment results and prognostic factors for cervical cancer patients treated by radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective trial aims to report the treatment results of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated by concomitant radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin.

METHODS

Between October 1999 and December 2003, 81 patients with FIGO Stages IB-IVA were treated at Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology by radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2). Intracavitary high-dose rate brachytherapy was applied to 76 patients (93.8%) and five patients (6.2%) were treated with external radiotherapy alone. Early and late side-effects of the treatment were analyzed according to RTOG-EORTC criteria.

RESULTS

Median age was 55 years and the most frequent histology was epidermoid carcinoma. Median follow-up time was 42 months. Five-year overall, disease-free and local relapse-free survival rates were 69%, 77%, and 82%, respectively. The presence of low Hgb level (< 12 g/dl), bulky tumor (> 4 cm), poor performance status, pelvic nodal involvement and limited early response to treatment had a significant impact on the local failure rate. Prognostic factors influencing disease-free survival were bulky tumor, performance status, pelvic nodal status, pretreatment Hgb level and limited early response to treatment. A significantly higher 5-year overall survival rate was observed in patients with good performance status, without pelvic nodal involvement, normal pretreatment Hgb level and complete response to treatment. Grade 3-4 side-effects were not observed in any patients. The most frequent acute side-effects were leukopenia, anemia, nausea and vomiting. Long-term side-effects were observed in 54% of patients.

CONCLUSION

This series suggests that radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin is an effective and a safe treatment in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Identification of prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases: A review of 493 patients

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Background: Choice of treatment for an individual patient with brain metastases is based on a number of factors: number and localization of brain metastases, systemic tumor activity, performance score, and age are major determinants for selection of treatment modality. Future trials in patients with brain metastases depend on selection of patients with favorable prognosis to allow adequate long-term follow-up to draw conclusions about survival and late toxicity, further stressing the importance of prognostic parameters. Our aim is to report the outcome of patients with brain metastases from solid tumors treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in a single institution and identify the prognostic subgroups who will benefit from treatment. Methods: The records of 493 patients with brain metastases who had been admitted for WBRT in the Department of Radiation Oncology in Ege University Hospital between January 1997 and December 2002 was retrospectively evaluated. WBRT at this institution comprised of parallel opposed lateral fields, dosed to the midplane in a cobalt 60 teletherapy device. Radiotherapy fractionation were 10 fr. × 3 Gy, 5 fr × 4 Gy and 2 fr. × 8 Gy. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression modeling was used for multivariate analysis and prognostical factors were determined on the basis of log rank test (SPSS 10.00 version). Results: Clinical response evaluation revealed that 254 patients (51%) had response to tretament whereas 104 patients (21.1%) had stable response and the other 43 patients (8.7%) had progressive disease.The median survival was 3 months (1–62 months) and 6 months survival was 41% and one year survival was 19%. Univariate analysis revealed that prognostical factors for survival were younger age (age <57) (p=0.043), female gender (p=0.019) and operation (p=0.0004), and for multivariant analysis female gender (p=0.027) and operation were determined (p=0.000). Conclusion: The prognosticators for survival in this retrospective analysis for patients with brain metastases are age, gender and operation. These factors affecting survival must be taken into consideration when the therapeutic management is to be made. And they may allow better selection of individual treatments.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Radiochemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer: early results

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Recent results of the prospective randomized trials have shown an overall survival and local control advantage for cisplatin-based therapy given concurrently with radiation therapy. Thirty-nine patients who received concurrent chemoradiation between October 1999 and December 2000 were evaluated for treatment response, local control and toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with Stage IB through IVA cervical carcinoma received weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) concurrent with radiotherapy. Thirty-two patients received both external and intracavitary radiotherapy and seven patients received only external radiotherapy because of insufficient tumor response for intracavitary application. Total external radiotherapy dose was 64.8 Gy with 1.8 Gy daily fractions in patients who received only external radiotherapy. Midline shielding was performed at 50.4 Gy in patients who were going to receive brachytherapy and the total external radiotherapy dose was 54-59.4 Gy. Brachytherapy was performed with a Rotterdam applicator via the microSelectron HDR machine. A total dose of 8.5-18 Gy was applied to point A.

RESULTS

Median age was 55. Distribution by stages were as follows: Stage IB 5.1%, IIA 28.2%, IIB 43.6%, IIIA 7.7%, IIIB 12.8% and IVA 2.6%. Histologically 33 (84.6%) were epidermoid carcinoma, one was adenocarcinoma, two were undifferentiated carcinoma, one was malignant epithelial tumor. In two patients histological type could not be specified. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. Four patients had local recurrence and three developed distant metastases. Thirty patients (76.9%) had complete response, eight had (20.5%) partial response and one had (2.6%) stable disease. During or after radiochemotherapy 46.2% of the patients developed toxicity due to chemotherapy. Early and late radiation morbidity rates were 66.7% and 71.8%, respectively. No grade III-IV toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer is the treatment of choice in suitable patients providing high response rates with acceptable toxicity.

Vertical changes following orthodontic extraction treatment in skeletal open bite subjects

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the vertical changes occurring in skeletal open bite patients treated orthodontically with different extraction patterns. The study was conducted using lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before and after treatment. Fifteen patients who had an anterior open bite (AOB) only were treated with first premolar extractions (Group E4). Seventeen patients with an AOB extending to the posterior teeth were grouped according to the extractions: extraction of second premolars (Group E5) and first molars (Group E6). Cephalometric data were analysed according to the 'two-factor experiment with a repeated measure on one factor' model. The treatment group factor had three levels, E4, E5, and E6, and the time factor two levels, pre- and post-treatment. The differences between the pre- and post-treatment periods were statistically significant for all the cephalometric variables (P < 0.001, P < 0.0001), except for ANS-Me/Na-Me. The time and group interaction were found to be statistically significant for the variables where the time factor is important, such as SN-GoGn angle, SGn-NBa angle, ANS-Me dimension, Na-Me dimension, forward movement of the maxillary and mandibular molars, and the distance to the mandibular plane of the lower molars. The severity of vertical dysplasia did not change in group E4. Generally, however, within the appropriate indications, extraction of the second premolars or the first molars led to a closing rotation of the mandible in subjects with a skeletal AOB extending to the posterior teeth.

The effect of zigzag elastics in the treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects with hypo- and hyperdivergent growth patterns. A pilot study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zigzag elastics in the treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects with hypo- or hyperdivergent growth patterns. Two groups were established, each consisting of 10 subjects classified as hypo- or hyperdivergent according to their pre-treatment SN-GoGn angle. The cephalometric radiographs taken before and after an elastic application period of approximately 4 months were used to generate 22 variables. In both groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the vertical position of the lower molars, the SN-GoGn angle or the inclination of the lower incisors, whereas the sagittal skeletal relationship was improved as a result of an increase in the SNB angle and the mandibular length (P < 0.01). Upper incisor extrusion was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.05). The downward rotation of the occlusal plane and the increase in overbite were found to be significant in the hypodivergent group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the groups in the extrusion of the upper incisor, the inclination of the occlusal plane, and the amount of overbite (P < 0.05). The results show that the zigzag elastic system is preferable, especially in hyperdivergent Class II division 1 subjects, as the use of such elastics does not cause an unfavourable effect on vertical jaw base relationship.

Class II correction with the modified sagittal appliance and maxillary second molar extraction

The aim of this article is to describe the clinical use of the removable sagittal appliance combined with the use of a J-hook headgear. This technique was used to distalize the buccal segments following maxillary second molar extraction in the treatment of a Class II patient with labially positioned maxillary canines. The sagittal appliance was used full-time and the headgear was worn 10 to 12 hours per day. This proved to be an effective method for distalizing the maxillary buccal teeth without flaring of the anterior teeth.

Effect of geometrical optimization on the treatment volumes and the dose homogeneity of biplane interstitial brachytherapy implants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The isodose distributions of HDR stepping source brachytherapy implants can be modified by changing dwell times and this procedure is called optimization. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of geometrical optimization on the brachytherapy volumes and the dose homogeneity inside the implant and to compare them with non-optimized counterparts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A set of biplane breast implants consisting of 84 different configurations have been digitized by the planning computer and volumetric analysis was performed for both non-optimized and geometrically optimized implants. Treated length (TL), treated volume (V100), irradiated volume (V50), overdose volume (V200) and quality index (QI) have been calculated for every non-optimized implant and compared to its corresponding geometrically optimized implant having a similar configuration and covering the same target length.

RESULTS

The mean TL was 74.48% of the active length (AL) for non-optimized implants and was 91.87% for optimized implants (P < 0.001). The mean QI was 1.83 for non-optimized implants and 2.17 for optimized implants (P < 0.001). The mean V50/V100 value was 2.71 for non-optimized implants and 2.65 for optimized implants (P < 0.001) and the mean V200/V100 value was 0.09 for non-optimized implants and 0.10 for optimized implants (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

By performing geometrical optimization it is possible to implant shorter needles for a given tumour to adequately cover the target volume with the reference isodose and thus surgical damage is reduced. The amount of healthy tissues outside the target receiving considerable radiation is significantly reduced due to the decrease in irradiated volume. Dose homogeneity inside the implant is significantly improved. Although there is a slight increase of overdose volume inside the implant, this increase is considered to be negligible in clinical applications.

[Evaluation of the head posture in orthodontic malocclusions]

Recently the effect of the head posture on craniofacial and dentoalveolar morphology had been an interesting research topic. Head posture was defined as the craniovertical angle formed between the head in self-balanced position and the true vertical. A foreward bending deviation of the head was termed flexion, and a backward bending deviation of the head was termed extension. In this study, total of 60 subjects with Angle class 1, class II/1 and class III malocclusion, who did not have orthodontic treatment previously and who did not have any sight or nose breathing problems, without vertical discrepancies like openbite or extreme deep bite had been chosen. Craniovertical angle which determined the posture of the head had been measured directly from the individuals. We found a statistically significant relationship between the head posture, class II/1 and class III malocclusions.