Clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival application of a chlorhexidine gel in chronic periodontitis. A pilot study.

Clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival application of a 1% chlorhexidine gel were studied. Eleven patients with chronic periodontitis participated in the study. In each patient two pairs of single rooted teeth with at least 20% attachment loss and probing depth > 4 mm were selected. Contralateral sites were randomly allocated to test and control groups receiving chlorhexidine or placebo gel respectively. The gels were applied once daily for two consecutive days. The clinical parameters comprised plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing. The composition of the subgingival microbiota was estimated with use of dark field microscopy. Baseline measurements were taken two weeks prior to chlorhexidine application. Microbiological and clinical parameters were further monitored 2, 7, 14 and 28 days after the last gel application. Chlorhexidine gel application did not significantly change the composition of the microflora compared to placebo application. There were no major differences in plaque and gingival indices. Effects on probing pocket depth of the chlorhexidine gel application may have been disguised by an influence from the diameter of the needle with which the application was performed. Needles with a diameter of 25G resulted in increases in probing pocket depth which indicates a possible mechanical trauma. This effect was not observed when needles with a diameter of 23G were used.

Correlation study of arterial blood pressure level to the amplitude of the pressure pulse waveform.

Automated blood pressure measurements are usually characterized by poor operational reliability and a considerable degree of complexity in performing the measurement. This paper introduces a new technique for the indirect measurement of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of an individual. The technique is based upon a statistically consistent relationship between the amplitude of the pulsative pressure waveform at the systolic and diastolic points, and the amplitude of pulse signals detected when the artery is fully occluded. Clinical testing and statistical analysis techniques are used to derive appropriate numerical values for these relationship. The proposed procedure thus incorporates an adaptive measurement philosophy achieving minimum observer involvement and consequently high instrument accuracy. Overall measurement errors are maintained well within proposed standards for automated sphygmomanometers.