The impact of amlodipine on gingival enlargement after kidney transplantation

Oral symptoms and pathologies in Danish patients with chronic kidney disease- a pilot study

The aim was to investigate oral health in randomly selected patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data obtained by structured interview (self-reported lifestyle, oral symptoms and regularity of dental visits) and oral examination of patients with CKD from the Copenhagen University Hospital. Fourteen patients with CKD were screened. Only half of the patients reported regular dental visits and poor dental status was registered in half of the patients. Oral mucosal changes were registered in thirteen patients (93%). Eleven patients (79%) had gingival inflammatory disease. Twelve patients (86%) were carriers of Candida, and three (21%) had oral candidosis. Six patients (43%) had low whole saliva flow rate. Twelve patients (86%) reported at least one oral symptom. Overall, there was no differences in oral symptoms or findings related to kidney transplanted or not transplanted patients. The small sample size most likely influences the results. However, the vast majority of patients with CKD reported oral symptoms and only half consulted a dentist regularly. Poor dental status, oral mucosal changes and gingival disease were prevalent findings. Patients with CKD need focus on daily oral healthcare and regular dental visits. Interdisciplinary cooperation could encourage patients with CKD to focus on oral health.

Reporting Quality Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Nephrology Urology Monthly Journal

CONTEXT

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are important tools for evidence-based health care decisions. It is, therefore, important that they be conducted and reported with the highest possible standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reporting quality of the RCTs published in nephrology urology monthly journal and to examine whether there was a change over time in the reporting quality.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The quality of each report was assessed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 Statement checklist and a 5-point quality assessment instrument, i.e. the Jadad scale.

RESULTS

Eighteen (14 Iranian and 4 non-Iranian) RCTs were published from 2012 to 2014 on topics including renal stone (16.6%), hemodialysis and transplantation (38.8%), and prostate conditions (11.1%). Interventions comprised surgery, drugs, and teaching method in 7 (38 %), 10 (55%), and 1 (5%) of them, respectively. According to the CONSORT checklist, the weakest reported items were registration number, identification as a randomized trial in the title, and settings and locations where the data were collected. The mean Jadad score of the reports was 2.72 ± 1.36 (54% of their maximum possible total score). According to the Jadad and CONSORT scales, there was an increase in the quality of reporting from 2012 to 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

This assessment shows low reporting quality scores in reports. Training courses for researchers, using standard reporting tools (e.g. CONSORT 2010 Statement checklist), and consultation with methodologists can improve the quality of published RCTs.