Comparison of long-term skeletal stability following maxillary advancement using rigid external distraction in growing and non-growing patients with cleft lip and palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term skeletal stability following maxillary advancement using Rigid External Distraction (RED) in growing and non-growing patients with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP). METHODS: Data sources: A systematic literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines from database inception till August 2020 in MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Science Direct, Google Scholar and a manual search in the institutional library. Study eligibility criteria, participants and intervention: All available literature published in English, with a minimum of six human subjects with well-defined age range either 7-14.9 years or 15-30 years, follow up period of a minimum of 12 months assessing the skeletal stability as horizontal change at Point A (Subspinale) following maxillary advancement using a RED device, without the use of rigid internal fixation or bone grafts were included in the study. Study appraisal and synthesis method: The quality assessment of selected articles was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The meta-analysis was carried out with Q statistic method, I-squared statistics, fixed-effect model to estimate pooled mean and Begg-Mazumdar bias indicator. RESULTS: Selected nine articles that were qualitatively assessed for relapse rate following maxillary advancement using a RED device, showed consistent and stable results. The meta-analysis found no significant difference in long-term skeletal stability of maxillary advancement by RED device in growing and non-growing patients with CLP [(growing group: Pooled proportion = 0.2927; 95% CI = 0.1534 to 0.4319) (non-growing group: Pooled proportion = 0.23077; 95% CI = 0.09854 to 0.36300)]. LIMITATIONS: No study, as revealed by the search, was available that compared the two groups as defined by the inclusion criteria. Data for the two groups were retrieved from different studies and meta-analysed. CONCLUSION: RED is an effective modality for correction of maxillary hypoplasia secondary to CLP, requiring large maxillary advancement. The technique can be used in young and adult patients with similar long-term results. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020205513.

Multidimensional evaluation of prosthetically rehabilitated\cranial defects using key behavior change inventory.

Defects of the cranial vault can result from the decompressive craniectomy secondary to trauma, cerebral infections, resection of intracranial processes, or bone invading skin tumors. Reconstruction of the cranial vault not only provides protection and esthetic reasons but also maintains and restores physiological circulatory system of the cerebrum essential for the regulation of intracranial pressure. This paper presents prosthetic rehabilitation of two patients, who suffered head injury resulting in extensive frontoparieto temporal defects that induced symptoms such as headache, fatigue, loss of concentration, loss of memory, and depression. Along with the physical dysfunction and disfigurement, the injury resulted in a deep psychological impact on overall well-being and self-esteem of the patient as well as the close family members. The patients were prosthetically rehabilitated with custom-made heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate cranial prosthesis and the assessment of postrehabilitation outcome was done using a specific measurement tool; key behaviors change inventory (KBCI) a 64-item questionnaire that evaluates executive, interpersonal, and emotional functioning behaviors following traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation resulted in the restoration of form, function, and esthetics along with the improvement in psychological status and general health as reflected in KBCI scores posttreatment. Based on the posttreatment scores obtained in the cases under study, it is suggested that KBCI may serve as an important prognostic tool for the assessment of treatment outcomes.

Quantifying Upper Airway Changes Following Mandibular Orthognathic Surgery.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to quantify upper airway changes following mandibular orthognathic surgery. Treatment records of 50 patients who underwent mandibular orthognathic surgery were divided into 2 groups, that is, Group 1: Cases treated with Mandibular Advancement Surgery and Group 2: Cases treated with Mandibular Setback Surgery with 25 patients in each group. The Lateral Cephalogram and Acoustic Pharyngometry records of both groups were studied at T0 (01 week before surgery) and T1 (01 year postsurgery) for changes in linear airway measurements (Nasopharyngeal Airway Space - NAS, Superior Airway Space - SAS, Posterior Airway Space - PAS and Hypopharyngeal Airway Space (HAS)), hyoid bone position (Mandibular Plane Hyoid distance), mean area and mean volume. The percentage change and change in these parameters per millimeter advancement or setback of mandible at T1 was calculated. A significant increase in linear airway parameters (SAS and PAS); decrease in hyoid distance; and increase in volume and area of upper airway was observed at T1 in Group 1 and reverse was observed in Group 2. The change in airway parameters (SAS, PAS, mean volume and area) was more significant in Group 1 as compared to Group 2. In the current airway centric approach, meticulous assessment and prediction of long-term airway changes post surgery should be an integral part of ortho-surgical diagnosis and treatment planning and suitable modifications in the treatment plan must be made to cater for any potential adverse effects on airway.

Does Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Have a Long-Term Effect on Nasal and Upper Airway Dimensions?

OBJECTIVES: To compare nasal and upper airway dimensions in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent nasoalveolar molding (NAM) with those without NAM during infancy using acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eccovision acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry (Sleep Group Solutions) was used for assessment of mean area and volume of nasal and upper airway in patients with complete unilateral CLP (age range 16-21 years) treated with NAM (group 1, n = 19) versus without NAM (group 2, n = 22). RESULTS: The mean nasal cross-sectional areas and volume were higher in group 1 compared to group 2 on both cleft (P value <.001) and noncleft side (P value >.05). The mean area and volume of upper airway were also significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (P value <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nasoalveolar molding being one of the first interventions in chronology of treatment of patients with CLP, its long-term outcome on nasal and upper airway patency needs to be ascertained. The results of the present study show that the patients with CLP who have undergone NAM during infancy have better improvement in nasal and upper airway patency compared with those who had not undergone NAM procedure. The basic advantages of being noninvasive, nonionizing and providing dynamic assessment of nasal and upper airway patency make acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry a diagnostic tool of choice to be used in patients with CLP.

Clinical and bioavailability studies of sublingually administered atropine sulfate.

INTRODUCTION: The increased use of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and the ever increasing possibility of terror groups using nerve agents underscore a need to develop effective and safe antidotes against OP poisoning. The objectives of the present study were to develop a novel atropine sulfate (AS) sublingual injection formulation, to create its bioavailability data in humans and to evaluate its suitability for field use with a view to obtain early therapeutic drug concentration in comparison to the conventional intramuscular route that provides a therapeutic peak of 6 to 8 ng/mL in blood at 30 minutes. METHODS: Two milligrams per 0.1 mL of AS was sublingually injected in 6 volunteers, and bioavailability and atropinization signs (blood pressure, pupil diameter, and heart rate) were noted. RESULTS: Human bioavailability curve was created, which was equivalent to 2 mg IM injection in amplitude within 10 minutes and describing a better curve thereafter. Peak plasma concentration of AS occurred at 15 minutes and was 21 ng/mL. Increase in heart rate became extremely significant at 5 minutes (P < .0001) with maximum increase of 62% + or - 6% at 10 minutes after administration. Pupil diameter showed maximal increase of 58% + or - 21% at 15 minutes (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual AS appears to have several advantages over conventional IM route including better bioavailability, rapid onset of action, and early atropinization. It is a safe and efficacious procedure with the potential to become an alternative to conventional IM injection, particularly in case of chemical terrorism scenario where hundreds of victims may require immediate atropinization simultaneously.