Oral health-related quality of life in patients with cleft lip and/or palate or Robin sequence

PURPOSE

To compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with cleft lip and/or palate or Robin sequence versus a healthy control group using the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP-G19). Factors such as age, gender, and cleft type were considered.

METHODS

Over an 8-month period, the OHRQoL was surveyed by using the COHIP-G19 questionnaire. Included were patients with a craniofacial disorder (n = 61; average age 11.24 years) and a healthy control group (n = 70, average age 12.63 years) for a total of 131 patients (average age 11.99 years) from the Department of Orthodontics University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. These were divided into two age groups (6-11 years; 12-18 years).

RESULTS

Statistically, patients with a craniofacial disorder presented a significantly lower OHRQoL than the control group (p = 0.0055). In the craniofacial disorder group, older patients revealed a significantly (p = 0.005) lower OHRQoL than the younger patients. Female patients showed in nearly all groups a better OHRQoL than male patients, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Males with a craniofacial disorder scored significantly lower than males without (p = 0.016); females showed no differences between the groups. Visibility, location, and severity of the craniofacial malformation did not have a significant influence on the OHRQoL.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of a craniofacial malformation impacted the OHRQoL especially in older and male affected patients, unrelated to the expression level or localization. An early instruction about oral health, rehabilitation and functional training should be considered in therapy.

Human cytomegalovirus seropositivity is associated with reduced patient survival during sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death. Treatment attempts targeting the immune response regularly fail in clinical trials. As HCMV latency can modulate the immune response and changes the immune cell composition, we hypothesized that HCMV serostatus affects mortality in sepsis patients.

METHODS

We determined the HCMV serostatus (i.e., latency) of 410 prospectively enrolled patients of the multicenter SepsisDataNet.NRW study. Patients were recruited according to the SEPSIS-3 criteria and clinical data were recorded in an observational approach. We quantified 13 cytokines at Days 1, 4, and 8 after enrollment. Proteomics data were analyzed from the plasma samples of 171 patients.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality was higher in HCMV-seropositive patients than in seronegative sepsis patients (38% vs. 25%, respectively; p = 0.008; HR, 1.656; 95% CI 1.135-2.417). This effect was observed independent of age (p = 0.010; HR, 1.673; 95% CI 1.131-2.477). The predictive value on the outcome of the increased concentrations of IL-6 was present only in the seropositive cohort (30-day mortality, 63% vs. 24%; HR 3.250; 95% CI 2.075-5.090; p < 0.001) with no significant differences in serum concentrations of IL-6 between the two groups. Procalcitonin and IL-10 exhibited the same behavior and were predictive of the outcome only in HCMV-seropositive patients.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the predictive value of inflammation-associated biomarkers should be re-evaluated with regard to the HCMV serostatus. Targeting HCMV latency might open a new approach to selecting suitable patients for individualized treatment in sepsis.

Maxillary canine position of patients with non-syndromic craniofacial disorder: a retrospective evaluation of panoramic radiographs

BACKGROUND

The study evaluates the position and displacement tendency of unerupted maxillary canines in orthodontic patients with non-syndromic craniofacial disorders (CD) compared to a control (C) group.

METHODS

Canine position and displacement tendency were evaluated using panoramic radiographs (PAN) examined with parameters such as sector classification (sectors 1-5) and inclination angles (α and β). The displacement tendency was defined as the positioning of the tip in sectors 1 or 2, as well as its combination with increased angles (α > 30° and β > 39°). In addition, the correlation of the tooth position and agenesis, cleft side, and sex was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 116 pre-treatment PAN, divided into the CD group (n = 50; mean age 8.32 ± 2.27 years) and the C group (n = 66; mean age 10.80 ± 2.82 years), were evaluated in this study. The sector classification showed no displacement tendency in both groups. Inclination angles α/β showed a statistically significant higher displacement tendency (p = 0.01) of the CD group (n = 5) on the right side, compared to healthy subjects (n = 1). Male CD patients had a statistically significant higher displacement tendency on the right side (p = 0.03). A statistically significant correlation between cleft and non-cleft-side (p = 0.03) was found.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD showed a statistically significant higher displacement tendency of the maxillary canine affected by the cleft side. The inclination angle was found to be the better predictor compared to the sector classification which should be considered in the orthodontic treatment planning.

Retrospective evaluation of the orthodontic treatment needs in primary school children with Robin sequence following Tübingen palatal plate therapy in infancy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the orthodontic treatment needs (OTN) of children with RS treated with the TPP in infancy compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate the orthodontic treatment needs (OTN) of children with RS treated with the TPP in infancy compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

In 21 children with RS (n = 23; 19 non-syndromic, 4 syndromic; average age 9.9 years) showed high OTN, which was significantly higher than in controls (n = 21). The latter of 9 controls had minor OTN, followed by 8 participants with borderline OTN. Regarding the intraoral picture, patients with RS had an increased open bite tendency. Without considering the presence of a cleft palate, 16 children with RS had high or very high OTN, compared to 4 of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RS have significantly higher OTN than healthy controls, independent of cleft occurrence. RS is associated with dental anomalies and special skeletal growth patterns, both increasing malocclusion and negatively affecting dentoalveolar growth. This should raise awareness for identifying these needs and provide a comprehensive orthodontic treatment, where functional rehabilitation should be favored over aesthetic results.

Tooth agenesis in German orthodontic patients with non-syndromic craniofacial disorder: a retrospective evaluation of panoramic radiographs

Objectives

The study objective was to evaluate the tooth agenesis in German orthodontic patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate and Robin sequence compared to a control group without craniofacial disorder.

Materials/methods

A total of 108 panoramic radiographs were examined using the binary system of Tooth Agenesis Code (TAC) (excluding the third molar). Patients were divided into the craniofacial disorder group 1 (n = 43) and the healthy control group 2 (n = 65). Parameters such as skeletal class malformation, sex, localization of the cleft, craniofacial disorder, and interobserver reliability were assessed.

Results

Permanent tooth agenesis was observed in 44% of group 1 and 14% in group 2 with a statistically significant higher prevalence (p = 0.00162 (χ²)). Fourteen different TAC patterns were observed in group 1, ten of these occurring only once in separate patients. The distribution of the TAC codes in group 2 showed nine different possibilities of TAC code patterns; seven TACs were unique. In group 1, the most frequently absent teeth were the maxillary lateral incisor of the left side (30%); in group 2, the second premolar of the lower jaw on the right side (9%). Male patients with craniofacial disorder showed a higher percentage of tooth agenesis than female.

Conclusion

The data presented here shows a statistically significant higher prevalence of tooth agenesis in German patients with non-syndromic craniofacial disorder.

Clinical relevance

Radiographic evaluation enables the diagnosis of tooth agenesis. Recognizing early on the higher prevalence of tooth agenesis in patients exhibiting a craniofacial disorder is an important issue when developing long-term and comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment.

Technical note on introducing a digital workflow for newborns with craniofacial anomalies based on intraoral scans - part II: 3D printed Tübingen palatal plate prototype for newborns with Robin sequence

Background

Orthodontic treatment of newborns and infants with Robin-Sequence using the Tübingen Palatal Plate (TPP) is a complex procedure that could benefit from simplification through digitalization. The design of the velar extension (spur) and the palatal base determines the success of the treatment. Therefore, a prototype must be produced and inserted under endoscopic supervision in order to determine the appropriate shape, length and position of the spur. This technical note demonstrates a fully digital workflow for the design and manufacturing of a functional TPP prototype, based on an intraoral scan. This prototype can be altered and individualized digitally for each patient. After the shape and position of the spur have been optimized, the prototype is duplicated using a silicone mold. Then the definitive TPP is manufactured and inserted. We aim to present a workflow which facilitates the fitting procedure and does not require a conventional impression or a physical model to create the appliance.

Methods

As described in part I of this series, the intraoral scan is performed using the 3Shape TRIOS3 scanner and its corresponding acquisition software. The virtual model is rendered in the 3Shape ortho appliance designer and the base of the palatal plate is designed in the 3Shape dental designer. The palatal plate and the virtual model are then imported into Autodesk Meshmixer and a standardized spur is positioned and merged with the base. The TPP is exported in Standard Tessellation Language (STL) format and manufactured on a W2P Solflex 170 DLP printer using VOCO VPrint Splint material (MDR Class IIa).

Results

Based on an intraoral scan, the TPP prototype could be successfully manufactured and proved suitable for the patients’ treatment.

Conclusion

The new digital workflow for the design of the TPP can been successfully implemented into daily clinical routine in our facility. Patients could be alleviated from having to undergo conventional impression procedures and fitting of the TPP could be facilitated by producing multiple functional prototypes for endoscopic evaluation. Through rapid prototyping, the expenditure of the fitting process was reduced, which makes the TPP therapy more efficient and accessible to a wider range of clinicians.

Technical note on introducing a digital workflow for newborns with craniofacial anomalies based on intraoral scans - part I: 3D printed and milled palatal stimulation plate for trisomy 21

Background

Advanced digital workflows in orthodontics and dentistry often require a combination of different software solutions to create patient appliances, which may be a complex and time-consuming process. The main objective of this technical note is to discuss treatment of craniofacial anomalies using digital technologies. We present a fully digital, linear workflow for manufacturing palatal plates for infants with craniofacial anomalies based on intraoral scanning. Switching to intraoral scanning in infant care is advantageous as taking conventional impressions carries the risk of impression material aspiration and/or infections caused by material remaining in the oronasal cavity.

Material and methods

The fully digital linear workflow presented in this technical note can be used to design and manufacture palatal plates for cleft palate patients as well as infants with functional disorders. We describe the workflow implemented in an infant with trisomy 21. The maxilla was registered using a digital scanner and a stimulation plate was created using dental CAD software and an individual impression tray module on a virtual model. Plates were manufactured using both additive and subtractive methods. Methacrylate based light curing resin and Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone were the materials used.

Results

The palatal area was successfully scanned to create a virtual model. The plates fitted well onto the palatal area. Manual post-processing was necessary to optimize a functional ridge along the vestibular fold and remove support structures from the additively manufactured plate as well as the milled plate produced from a blank. The additively manufactured plate fitted better than the milled one.

Conclusion

Implementing a fully digital linear workflow into clinical routine for treatment of neonates and infants with craniofacial disorders is feasible. The software solution presented here is suitable for this purpose and does not require additional software for the design. This is the key advantage of this workflow, which makes digital treatment accessible to all clinicians who want to deal with digital technology. Whether additive or subtractive manufacturing is preferred depends on the appliance material of choice and influences the fit of the appliance.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the temporomandibular joint: A comprehensive review

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of childhood and represents a series of chronic inflammatory arthritides of unknown cause. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint has been reported in up to 87% of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when based on magnetic tomography imaging; it can be asymptomatic and may lead to severe long term complications. In this review a summary of the contemporary literature of imaging of the temporomandibular joint in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis will be provided, including ultrasound which is a valuable method for guided joint injections, but does not necessarily allow detection of acute inflammation, cone beam computed tomography, which has emerged as a feasible and accurate low-dose alternative as compared to conventional computed tomography to detect destructive change, and magnetic resonance imaging which is considered the method of choice for assessing acute, inflammatory change, although the lack of normative standards remains a challenge in children.

Classification of temporomandibular joint erosion, arthritis, and inflammation in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common disease in pediatric rheumatology. It is characterized by chronically progressive joint destruction. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are involved in up to 87% of patients and may take an asymptomatic course in 69% of cases. Other than contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no reliable screening symptoms or non-invasive procedures available to diagnose the inflammation in its acute form. The goal of this study was to establish an imaging-based classification system for TMJ erosion via MRI and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an effort to improve indication-specific treatment approaches and to facilitate the comparison of findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 46 patients were included. Contrast-enhanced MRI and CBCT images obtained during treatment by pediatric rheumatologists and orthodontists were available from 23 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We devised a classification system combining the findings of both imaging techniques based on this patient sample in comparison with CBCT findings from an age- and gender-matched group of 23 non-arthritis patients, taking into consideration the available literature and administration of contrast medium.

RESULTS

Our cohort of 46 patients comprised 60% female and 40% male patients with a mean age of 14 years, providing a total of 92 TMJs for evaluation. We were able to apply the findings efficiently and conveniently to this classification system with no relevant interobserver differences. Mild structural abnormalities were noted in 21% of TMJs in the control group, whereas 83% of TMJs in the arthritis group exhibited severe anomalies, including cases of extreme destruction. Age and gender did not affect the degree of destruction significantly.

CONCLUSION

This is the first classification system to link CBCT and MRI with the use of contrast medium. Contrast-enhanced MRI is an internationally recognized technique that permits acute inflammation to be unequivocally diagnosed. Although structural erosion of the TMJs in our arthritis group was generally severe and significant, we were surprised to observe some cases that were clinically asymptomatic.

Effects of head positioning on cephalometric measurements

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the present work was to evaluate different head positions for their effects on cephalometric analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cephalograms were obtained from a skull phantom adjusted to various degrees of inclination (0°, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°), lateral tilting (0°, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°), and rotation (0°, 3°, 6°, 9°, 12°, 15°, and 21°). All these combinations resulted in a total of 210 digital cephalograms for assessment. On-screen analysis of these images by an orthodontist was completed within a few days.

RESULTS

Lateral tilting and rotation revealed considerably stronger effects on the values measured than inclination. Starting at 2° of tilting or 3° of rotation, numerous parameters yielded deviations of ≥ 2° or 2 mm from the baseline values. Increasing degrees of rotation showed more pronounced value changes than increasing degrees of lateral tilting. Skeletal and dental parameters whose landmarks are mainly located in the median plane were less susceptible than parameters whose reference points had to be averaged. Values of parameters located in the median plane were less affected by rotation when combined with higher degrees of initial lateral tilting (> 6°) than with lower ones.

CONCLUSION

The usefulness of cephalometric data becomes limited once the head is rotated by 3° or laterally tilted by 2°. Values obtained in the median plane are more stable than those obtained in peripheral locations. Various degrees of inclination applied to the skull phantom with its solid structures had no measurable effects. Accurate head positioning is an essential prerequisite for obtaining meaningful results from cephalograms based on reproducibly identifiable landmarks.

A randomized study of 12-mm and 15.9 mm cannulas in midtrimester abortion by laminaria and vacuum curettage

We evaluated the adequacy of a new large-bore vacuum cannula system for midtrimester abortion by randomly allocating patients to be treated with a standard 12-mm vacuum system or the new 15.9-mm system. Cervical dilataion was accomplished by overnight placement of laminaria tents. Blood loss was similar for the two treatment groups and was significantly greater at gestational ages 17 to 18 weeks than for abortions at 16 weeks or less. Operating time was slightly less in the large-cannula group. When the 12-mm cannula was used beyond 13 weeks' gestation, forceps were usually needed to empty the uterus completely. The large-cannula system was able to empty the uterus through 16 weeks, but at 17 and 18 weeks it offered no advantage over the smaller system and forceps were always needed. Complications were minimal. We caution against forcible cervical dilatation to 16 mm and urge the use of laminaria instead. Our findings, together with published reports of the safety of late dilatations and evacuation, would appear to justify wider clinical trials by experienced investigators.