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Méndez-Millán JA, León-López M, Martín-González J, Saúco-Márquez JJ, Cabanillas-Balsera D, Segura-Egea JJ. Antibiotic Over-Prescription by Dentists in the Treatment of Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:289. [PMID: 38666965 PMCID: PMC11047734 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
After pulp infection and necrosis, the passage of microbial antigens into the periapical space causes apical periodontitis (AP). Most of the clinical forms of AP can be managed without prescribing antibiotics, only with root canal treatment and abscess drainage or, where appropriate, tooth extraction. However, the scientific literature provides evidence of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in the management of apical disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the global pattern of antibiotic prescription in the treatment of apical disease. METHODS PRISMA Guidelines were followed to carry out this systematic review. The research question was as follows: What is the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of the different clinical forms of apical periodontitis? A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science and Scopus. All studies reporting data about the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of apical disease were included. The meta-analyses were calculated using the Open Meta Analyst version 10.10 software. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS The search strategy identified 96 articles and thirty-nine cross-sectional studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall percentage of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in cases of symptomatic AP was 25.8%, and 31.5% in cases of asymptomatic AP with sinus tract present. The percentage of dentists prescribing antibiotics in cases of acute apical abscess with no/mild symptoms was 47.7%, whereas, in cases of acute apical abscess with moderate/severe symptoms, 88.8% of dentists would prescribe antibiotics. Endodontists prescribe antibiotics at a lower rate than general practitioners. The total risk of bias was considered moderate, and the final rating for the certainty of the evidence was low. CONCLUSIONS Dentists worldwide are over-prescribing antibiotics in the management of apical disease. It is necessary to improve antibiotic prescribing habits in the treatment of endodontic infections, as well as educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate prescription of antibiotics in periapical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Cabanillas-Balsera
- Department of Stomatology (Endodontic Section), School of Dentistry, University of Sevilla, C/Avicena s/n, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.M.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (J.M.-G.); (J.J.S.-M.)
| | - Juan J. Segura-Egea
- Department of Stomatology (Endodontic Section), School of Dentistry, University of Sevilla, C/Avicena s/n, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.M.-M.); (M.L.-L.); (J.M.-G.); (J.J.S.-M.)
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Khijmatgar S, Bellucci G, Creminelli L, Tartaglia GM, Tumedei M. Systemic Antibiotic Use in Acute Irreversible Pulpitis: Evaluating Clinical Practices and Molecular Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1357. [PMID: 38279358 PMCID: PMC10816036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review systematically evaluates the use of systemic antibiotics in treating acute irreversible pulpitis, integrating clinical practice patterns with recent molecular insights. We analyzed clinical evidence on antibiotic prescription trends among dental professionals and examined molecular research advancements in relation to pulpitis. This review is intended to bridge the gap between clinical practice and molecular research, guiding more evidence-based approaches to treating acute irreversible pulpitis. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published in English based on the objective of the review. A second search using all identified keywords and index terms was undertaken across all the included databases. In addition, a reference list of identified articles was searched. Studies including original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, and observational and retrospective studies, all written in English and published from 2010 onwards, were included, and an analysis of the text words contained in the titles and abstracts of the retrieved papers and of the index terms used to describe the articles was performed. A total of N = 53 articles were selected. Altogether, N = 43 (76.79%) articles were cross-sectional studies, N = 4 (11.11%) were systematic reviews, and N = 3 (5.36%) were guidelines. The most frequent level of evidence was level VI (N = 43 (76.79%). The mean percentage of dentists who prescribed antibiotics to treat acute irreversible pulpitis was 23.89 ± 23.74% (range: 0.05-75.7). Similarly, for specialists, it was 22.41 ± 15.64 (range 2.2-50.4), and the percentage for undergraduates was 17.52 ± 20.59 (range 0-62.6). The significant developments in research models for pulpitis research and the characterisation of biomarkers have led to better management strategies. Concurrently, significant advancements in molecular research provide new understandings of pulpitis, suggesting alternative therapeutic approaches. Although there are guidelines available, increased rates of antibiotic prescription are still prevalent around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
- Complex Structure of Surgical Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Gionata Bellucci
- Complex Structure of Surgical Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Luca Creminelli
- Complex Structure of Surgical Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.C.)
| | | | - Margherita Tumedei
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
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Mahdi ZA, Ibrahim JA. Dentists' attitudes and prescription practices for analgesics and antibiotics in Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq. J Med Life 2023; 16:1818-1824. [PMID: 38585523 PMCID: PMC10994614 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate use of analgesics and antibiotics is a widespread issue among dentists globally, leading to the risk of over-prescription that could negatively affect patient health and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prescribing patterns of analgesics and antibiotics by dentists in Kirkuk City, Iraq, focusing on their attitudes, knowledge levels, and practices regarding these medications. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 280 dentists in Kirkuk City. The dentists were contacted via their work email addresses, and they responded to a survey. Descriptive statistics, including frequency analysis, were employed to evaluate the appropriateness of analgesic and antibiotic prescriptions for different dental conditions. The first-choice analgesic for 44.6% of dentists was mefenamic acid, followed by paracetamol (31.1%). Regarding antibiotic use, 56.8% of dentists in Kirkuk City reported using antibiotics for empirical and direct therapy. Other dentists (43.2%) revealed that they did not have enough information regarding antibiotic group preference in empirical therapy. 106 of the participants (37.85%) recommended the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, most (45%) were unfamiliar with the group preferences in empirical therapy. Dentists in Kirkuk City showed variations in knowledge and awareness regarding using analgesics and antibiotics. This requires further education and training on proper analgesics and antibiotic stewardship guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Azal Mahdi
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq
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Schneider-Smith EG, Suda KJ, Lew D, Rowan S, Hanna D, Bach T, Shimpi N, Foraker RE, Durkin MJ. How decisions are made: Antibiotic stewardship in dentistry. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1731-1736. [PMID: 37553682 PMCID: PMC10782556 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We performed a preimplementation assessment of workflows, resources, needs, and antibiotic prescribing practices of trainees and practicing dentists to inform the development of an antibiotic-stewardship clinical decision-support tool (CDST) for dentists. METHODS We used a technology implementation framework to conduct the preimplementation assessment via surveys and focus groups of students, residents, and faculty members. Using Likert scales, the survey assessed baseline knowledge and confidence in dental providers' antibiotic prescribing. The focus groups gathered information on existing workflows, resources, and needs for end users for our CDST. RESULTS Of 355 dental providers recruited to take the survey, 213 (60%) responded: 151 students, 27 residents, and 35 faculty. The average confidence in antibiotic prescribing decisions was 3.2 ± 1.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 (ie, moderate). Dental students were less confident about prescribing antibiotics than residents and faculty (P < .01). However, antibiotic prescribing knowledge was no different between dental students, residents, and faculty. The mean likelihood of prescribing an antibiotic when it was not needed was 2.7 ± 0.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 (unlikely to maybe) and was not meaningfully different across subgroups (P = .10). We had 10 participants across 3 focus groups: 7 students, 2 residents, and 1 faculty member. Four major themes emerged, which indicated that dentists: (1) make antibiotic prescribing decisions based on anecdotal experiences; (2) defer to physicians' recommendations; (3) have limited access to evidence-based resources; and (4) want CDST for antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSIONS Dentists' confidence in antibiotic prescribing increased by training level, but knowledge did not. Trainees and practicing dentists would benefit from a CDST to improve appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika G Schneider-Smith
- Division of Medical Education, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Katie J Suda
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daphne Lew
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan Rowan
- Division of General Dentistry, University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Danny Hanna
- Division of General Dentistry, University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tracey Bach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Neel Shimpi
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Randi E Foraker
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael J Durkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Rodríguez-Fernández A, Vázquez-Cancela O, Piñeiro-Lamas M, Herdeiro MT, Figueiras A, Zapata-Cachafeiro M. Magnitude and determinants of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in dentistry: a nation-wide study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:20. [PMID: 36941734 PMCID: PMC10026418 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dentist play an important role in misuse of antibiotics. Identification of the dental activities linked to the misuse of antibiotics is important for improving dentists' prescribing quality. The aim of the study was to quantify the magnitude of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by dentists in Spain and identify the characteristics, knowledge and attitudes that influence prescribing quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study on dentists in Spain, assessing prescribing quality (dependent variable) on the basis of their responses about the prescription of antibiotics in 14 clinical situations. As the independent variables, we assessed professional characteristics and attitudes (lack of knowledge, fear, complacency, scheduling problems, and economic benefit) measured on a Likert scale. Odds Ratios (OR) (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 878 participants were included in the analysis. Half of all dentists displayed inappropriate antibiotic prescribing habits in more than 28.6% (10/14) of the clinical situations posed (interquartile range 57-79%). Prescribing quality increased when resistance was perceived as a public health problem (OR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97), and decreased in response to fear (OR 1.12, 95% CI:1.07-1.18) or the pursuit of economic benefit (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14). Having over 30 years' experience (OR 4.58, 95% CI:1.80-12.48) and/or practising in the field of prosthodontics as opposed to endodontics (OR 2.65, 95% CI:1.26-5.71) were associated with worse prescribing quality. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drugs in dentistry, and in many cases this prescription is inappropriate. Our findings shows that modifiable factors influence prescribing quality among dentists in Spain. These may be use for designing educational and training programmes for dentists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Rodríguez-Fernández
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Olalla Vázquez-Cancela
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University Teaching Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - María Piñeiro-Lamas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Institute of Health Research of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Teresa Herdeiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Institute of Health Research of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maruxa Zapata-Cachafeiro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Institute of Health Research of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Bernardi S, Anderson A, Macchiarelli G, Hellwig E, Cieplik F, Vach K, Al-Ahmad A. Subinhibitory Antibiotic Concentrations Enhance Biofilm Formation of Clinical Enterococcus faecalis Isolates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070874. [PMID: 34356795 PMCID: PMC8300655 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism that can be found in the oral cavity, especially in secondary endodontic infections, with a prevalence ranging from 24-70%. The increase in the ability to form biofilms in the presence of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations is a phenomenon that is observed for a wide variety of bacterial pathogens and is associated with increased resistance. In this study, therefore, six E. faecalis isolates from an endodontic environment and two control strains were exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Fosfomycin, Tetracycline and Vancomycin and examined for their biofilm formation abilities. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all E. faecalis isolates. A culture of the isolate was mixed with a serial dilution series of the respective antibiotic, incubated overnight and the biofilm formation was analyzed using a microtiter plate assay. All isolates were able to form biofilms in the absence of an antibiotic. A significant increase in biofilm formation of up to more than 50% was found in the isolates exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of various antibiotics. Most isolates showed a significant increase in Fosfomycin (7/8), Doxycycline (6/8) and Tetracycline (6/8). Three endodontic isolates showed a significant increase in five of the antibiotics examined at the same time. On exposure to Vancomycin, three endodontic isolates and the two control strains showed an increase. The increase in the ability to form biofilms extended over a concentration range from 1/2 to 1/64 of the MIC concentration. Antibiotics may reach certain niches in the oral cavity at subinhibitory concentrations only. This can increase the biofilm formation by enterococci, and in turn lead to decreased susceptibility of these taxa to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bernardi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
- Centre of Microscopy, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annette Anderson
- Department of Operative Dentistry & Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elmar Hellwig
- Department of Operative Dentistry & Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Cieplik
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirstin Vach
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ali Al-Ahmad
- Department of Operative Dentistry & Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Karobari MI, Khijmatgar S, Bhandary R, Krishna Nayak US, Del Fabbro M, Horn R, Marya A. A Multicultural Demographic Study to Analyze Antibiotic Prescription Practices and the Need for Continuing Education in Dentistry. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5599724. [PMID: 34327231 PMCID: PMC8310454 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5599724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to understand and analyze the prescription patterns of dentists across various demographic locations for managing oral infections and pain with antibiotics and explore the evidence-based practices by clinicians as well as the need for further education. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire framed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices among dentists with varying levels of experience and qualifications, regarding antimicrobial prescription. The questions were validated from previous published studies that explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antimicrobial prescription. In total, N = 300 of dentists from four different countries responded to the online questionnaire out of which 53% were specialists while 47% were general dentists. After data collection, descriptive analysis was carried out along with a one-sided hypothesis test to depict the power of the sample. RESULTS It was seen from the results of the study that the first-choice antibiotics for 67.8% of dentists were found to be the β-lactam group while sulfonamides and tetracyclines at 20% were the second most prescribed group. Another important finding was that 45.6% of dentists ignored hypersensitivity testing before prescription of antibiotics even though 83.3% of the total dentists interviewed were aware of the increase in antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the dentists are partially aware of the guidelines but need further training and education on antimicrobial prescription that enables evidence-based decision-making for better practices and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohmed Isaqali Karobari
- Conservative Dentistry Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shahnawaz Khijmatgar
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
- Nitte (Deemed to Be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Department of Oral Biology and Genomic Studies, Mangalore, India
| | - Rahul Bhandary
- Nitte (Deemed to Be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Department of Periodontics, Mangalore, India
| | - U. S. Krishna Nayak
- Nitte (Deemed to Be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Department of Orthodontics, Mangalore, India
| | - Massimo Del Fabbro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4, 20161 Milano, Italy
| | - Rithvitou Horn
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Anand Marya
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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