[Stevens-Johnson Syndrom and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis--based on literature]

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TEN) also known as Lyell's syndrome, are acute autoimmune dermatoses, which are potentially life threatening. They are both forms of necrotic skin reactions which causes epidermis to separate from dermis as a result of abnormal process induced by drugs or infections. Historically they were classified as a form of exudative erythema multiforme, but nowadays they are categorized as different disease entities. The reason is more severe clinical course in case of SJS and TEN, and known causes (medicines, infections). The criterion for distinguishing the two forms is based on the quantitative evaluation of the surface of affected skin. In case of SJS the affected area comprise up to 10% of body surface area, while in Lyell's syndrome it is over 30%. If affected skin surface ranges from 10% to 30%, it is defined as overlapping syndrome.

Reasons for patients' visits in the dental offices of Cracow in the years 2005-2006 and 2013-2014

INTRODUCTION

Caries is a serious health problem affecting the Polish population, mostly due to a low level of health awareness, which is reflected in irregular check-ups and a tendency for patients to visit the dentist only when they are already experiencing pain.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

to compare patients' reasons for visiting dental offices and the treatment they received during the years 2005-2006 and 2013-2014.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data was obtained from 495 medical files stored in 4 randomly selected dental offices in Cracow. Information was gathered on age, sex, place of residence, reasons for visiting the dentist, referrals, frequency of dental visits and procedures performed.

RESULTS

The study showed that women visited dental offices more frequently (56%) than men. The participants were aged between 1 and 91. The majority of the patients lived in large towns or cities (81.6%). Approximately 50% of the patients visited a dental office once a month. The study showed a significant increase in one-time visits (from 18.5% to 30.6%). The most frequent motivation for visiting a dental office was to receive conservative treatment, while the least common reasons were prophylaxis and tooth injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout the period under review, changes occurred in the profile of the patients who visited dental offices during these periods. One alarming trend was the significant increase in the number of patients who visited dental offices only once (12%). The main reason why patients visited dental offices did not change--more than 60% came to have caries treated but often after a single visit they did not continue the treatment despite needing to do so.