Physical oral care prevents ventilator-associated pneumonia in Vietnam: A prospective interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has emerged as a critical issue in the intensive care unit (ICU) because of its high burden on patients and medical staff. Here, we examined the potential for reducing VAP incidence through physical oral care interventions without any medication. METHODS: This prospective interventional study compared VAP incidence during an 8-month baseline period (usual oral care) and a 9-month intervention period (physical oral care with sponge brush) among patients who received mechanical ventilation for >48 h in a tertiary care hospital in Vietnam from 2017 to 2019. Physical oral care was provided by general ICU nurses who had been trained by dentists and infection control nurses. VAP was diagnosed using the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score. RESULTS: In total, 423 patients were enrolled in the baseline group and 454 patients were enrolled in the intervention group; 303 and 300 patients, respectively, were included in the analysis. Two hundred thirty-eight VAP episodes were identified: 135 (44.6%) during the baseline period and 103 (34.3%) during the intervention period. Univariate analysis revealed significant reduction of VAP occurrence in the intervention period (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.90; P = 0.010). The incidences of VAP per 1000 ventilator-days were 63.4 (135/2128) during the baseline period and 48.4 (103/2128) during the intervention period (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Physical oral care without any medication (e.g., chlorhexidine) reduced VAP incidence in the ICU. This method could be used to reduce VAP incidence, particularly in countries with limited medical resources.

Mental foramen in panoramic radiography can be a reference for discrimination of punched-out lesions in the mandible in patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma: A cross-sectional study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. MM features bony radiolucencies called punched-out lesions (POLs), which require appropriate diagnosis due to increased risk of surgically-related adverse events. Although dental surgeons can identify dental focal infections (DFIs) in MM patients, the prevalence and characteristics of POLs in the jawbone of MM patients have not been investigated. We examined the prevalence of POLs in the mandible of MM patients, evaluated its relationship with MM International Staging System progression, and examined panoramic radiographs as a diagnostic reference for POLs in a single center in Japan. We identified 98 patients (55 men, 43 women) with a median age of 63 (range, 34 to 91) years. Of these, 18 patients (18.4%) had POLs in the mandible, including two patients in stage I (2/37; 5.4%), six in stage II (6/43; 14.0%), and ten in stage III (10/18; 55.6%). The prevalence of POLs significantly increased with MM stage progression (p < 0.0001). POLs confirmed on computed tomography (CT) were also detected on panoramic radiographs. The Hounsfield unit value at the site of POLs was nearly the same or lower than that of the mental foramen. Although the prevalence of POLs in the mandible is low, dental surgeons need to differentiate POLs as radiological findings when examining DFIs in MM patients. Confirmation of POLs in the mandible is possible by CT and panoramic radiography, and the mental foramen is likely to be a reference for discrimination.

Preoperative nutritional evaluation, surgical site infection, and prognosis in patients with oral cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The risk of postoperative infection after reconstructive oral cancer surgery is high and poses a problem in perioperative management. The objective of this study was to verify the association between preoperative nutritional indicators, surgical site infection (SSI), and long-term prognosis after reconstruction for oral cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-seven patients admitted to a dental hospital were enrolled. The following nutritional indicators were examined: serum albumin level, modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, Miki's Glasgow Prognostic Score, prognostic nutritional index, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio, and the Controlling Nutritional Status tool. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine potential risk factors for SSI. RESULTS: The Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that SSI and platelet/lymphocyte ratio ≥211.4 were independent prognostic factors affecting survival. The results demonstrated that albumin <4.0 and platelet/lymphocyte ratio ≥211.4 were risk factors for SSI. Furthermore, albumin <4.0, platelet/lymphocyte ratio ≥211.4, and SSI were correlated with prognosis. Preoperative nutritional indicators were associated with SSI and prognosis in patients with oral cancer after reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative nutritional therapy is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in patients with oral cancer who require reconstructive surgery.

A case of deep femoral artery aneurysm found with superficial femoral artery aneurysm.

Objective: Deep femoral artery (DFA) aneurysms are extremely rare cases of aneurysms that are difficult to diagnose. The objective of this report was to discuss the timing and method of surgery for this disease. Patient: We encountered an asymptomatic left DFA aneurysm that was discovered along with a symptomatic aneurysm of the right superficial femoral artery (SFA). Both sides of the aneurysm were resected with Dacron knitted artificial vascular grafts (Gelsoft™ Plus, Vasctek, UK) simultaneously. Result: After the operation, the right SFA had good blood flow, but the graft of the left DFA was occluded. The occlusion was considered to be caused by insufficient blood flow in the graft. The patient was discharged without any complications. Conclusion: The coexistence of DFA aneurysms should be examined if other aneurysms are found. DFA aneurysms are at a high risk of rupture. Careful follow-up is required, and intervention is recommended when the diameter exceeds 35 mm.

Two operative cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm with isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta.

Objective: Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) co-occurring with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rather rare. The objective of this report was to discuss the adequate timing and method of surgery for this condition. Patients: We encountered two operative cases, for which we carefully considered the timing and method of surgery. One patient underwent open repair 1 month after the onset, and the other patient underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) 3 years after the onset. Results: Both patients had a good postoperative recovery and are doing well 8 months after the surgery. Conclusion: The presence of symptoms or an increase in the diameter of an AAA is important in determining the timing of intervention.

Risk Factors for Post-Tooth Extraction Complications in HIV-Infected Patients: a Retrospective Study.

We aimed to assess the rate and risk factors of postoperative complications following tooth extraction in HIV-infected patients by CD4 count. The study participants were 231 HIV-infected patients who underwent tooth extraction at our institution between January 2007 and December 2011. Blood test results, underlying diseases, surgical site, extraction method, and postoperative complication data were obtained from medical records. Potential risk factors of postoperative complications were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Patients were divided into two groups: 61 (26%) patients with a CD4 count < 200/µL, and 170 (74%) with a CD4 count ≥ 200/µL. Of the 231 patients, 12 (5.2%) developed postoperative complications (alveolar osteitis, n = 10; surgical site infection, n = 2). The rate of complications did not differ between the CD4 < 200/µL group (1.6%) and the CD4 ≥200/µL group (6.5%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 9.328, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.470, 185.229; P = 0.1431). Surgical extraction with bone excavation, but without CD4 count, was identified as a risk factor for post-extraction complications (aOR: 22.037, 95% CI: 1.519, 319.617; P = 0.0234). A low CD4 count is not a risk factor for post-extraction complications in patients with HIV infection. We conclude that tooth extraction should be performed based on dental/oral conditions, and not delayed until CD4 count improvement.

Screening for dental focal infections in febrile patients with hematologic malignancies who received chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study.

Source of fever in chemotherapy patients is often unknown. Fever can also be fatal. No observational studies have determined the incidence of dental focal infection (DFI)-associated fever, despite oral cavity being a potential source of infection. We report the incidence of fever after chemotherapy in patients with hematological malignancies and their association with DFIs in 441 patients visiting our institution during a 6-year period. Dental treatments, including tooth extraction, were performed, and their oral and hematological profiles were monitored after chemotherapy. Fever was evident in 87 (38.5%) of 226 patients (≥ 38˚C) after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Sepsis due to DFIs (n = 4; 4.6%) was evaluated. Chemotherapy was delayed due to DFI in one case. Fever after chemotherapy should be differentiated from oral infections. Our study emphasizes the significance of DFI in patients with fever after chemotherapy and can help in improving the prognosis of patients.

A case of cystic adventitial disease of the poplitealartery: selection of incision of the cyst wall overvessel replacement.

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD), a rare arterial disorder, can cause localized arterial stenosis or obstruction. A 55-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of left lower leg pain and paleness when bending the left knee. The patient was diagnosed with CAD of the left popliteal artery based on imaging examinations. Surgery was performed with the patient placed in the prone position using an S-shaped skin incision, and the left popliteal artery was exposed. A simple incision of the cyst wall was made. There was no sign of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively.

Pacemaker system replacement under local anesthesia allowing MRI access 7 years after the initial surgery: Two case reports.

Background: Older pacemaker systems, which are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incompatible, require replacement with compatible systems when patients are in need of MRI. Replacement involves extraction of the pacing lead, which is usually done with a laser sheath under general anesthesia. Case presentation: We report two cases of complete pacing system replacements allowing patient access to MRI. Both replacements were made under local anesthesia and without the use of special devices over 6 years after the initial surgery. Both replacements used retractable screw-in leads with a cut-down of cephalic or external jugular veins performed during the initial surgeries. Case 1 involved a 79-year-old man with cerebral ischemia, and case 2 involved a 70-year-old man with spinal canal stenosis. Conclusion: With careful management, it is possible to replace an entire pacing system under local anesthesia without additional devices.

Non-Syndromic Familial Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour: A Rare Case Report in Japanese Identical Twins.

Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour (KCOT) is unicystic or multicystic intraosseous benign tumour of odontogenic origin that recurs due to locally destructive behaviour. KCOTs are usually the first manifestation of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS), an autosomal dominant disorder also known as Gorlin's syndrome and they are most frequently observed familial symptom regardless of patients' nationality. In addition, the recurrence rate and multiplicity of KCOTs is relatively high as compared to that of other sporadic carcinomas. KCOT has been considered as a non-hereditary lesion and its familial onset is an extremely rare event in non-NBCCS cases. Here, we describe previously unreported non-syndromic multiple KCOT cases in identical twins in a Japanese family. The subjects were female Japanese identical twins who were 26 and 27 years old, respectively, at the time of diagnosis for KCOT. They had no major or minor features of NBCCS other than KCOT. Although there were lesions that were likely to be dentigerous cysts based on radiographic findings, one of them was KCOT. This case report highlights the importance of precise diagnosis, choice of surgical method and careful observation for multiplicity or familial onset in sporadic KCOT cases without NBCCS.

A Case of Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation in a 10-year-old Patient.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to discuss the type, timing, and surgical techniques of permanent pacemaker implantation in a juvenile patient. PATIENTS: A 17-year-old girl with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects comprised of ventricular septal defects (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) suffered from postoperative complete atrioventricular block (AVB) when she was 7 months old. METHODS AND RESULTS: An epicardial pacemaker was implanted just after the occurrence of complete AVB. Due to the pacing threshold of a ventricular lead not being good, the battery showed rapid depletion. Her generator had to be exchanged under general anesthesia every 2-3 years. When she was 10 years old, we implanted a permanent pacemaker transvenously by using cutdown, screw-in and subpectoral pocket techniques. She has shown a satisfactory outcome since then. CONCLUSION: Transvenous pacemaker implantation was safe and effective in our young patient without any complications. The timing of surgery and surgical technique are quite important for pacemaker implantation in juvenile patients.

A case of above knee amputation with preoperative high risks.

An 85-year-old malnourished man was admitted with ischemia-induced necrosis of the right leg and high-risk factors, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and infection of the necrotic leg. We controlled the infection and provided proper nutrition. Using light general anesthesia and a nerve block, we amputated the leg above the knee. The patient could eat and drink the same day following the surgery, and respiratory rehabilitation was begun the next day. His postoperative course was uneventful. Our case suggests that maintenance of good nutrition may play a key role for high-risk elders undergoing leg amputation.

A Case of Intractable Left Forearm Congenital Arteriovenous Fistula Ending with Amputation: Importance of New Medical Information Obtained via the Internet.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to consider the importance of medical information obtained via the Internet for difficult cases in hospitals, especially in those located in rural areas. We report here a case of congenital arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the upper extremities. PATIENT: A 30-year-old lady was transported to our hospital by ambulance due to massive bleeding in her left hand. She was seen by our current cardiovascular surgery team for the first time, although she had been diagnosed with congenital AVF of the left arm 9 years previously. Because it was asymptomatic, she was followed up by observation. During 5 years of observation, symptoms such as cyanosis, pain, and refractory ulcers gradually developed. When she was 26 years old, she was referred to a university hospital in Akita, but surgery had already been judged to be impossible. When she was 30 years old, traumatic bleeding in her left hand and hemorrhagic shock led her to be taken to our hospital by ambulance. Using the Internet, we found an institution that had treated a large number of cases of AVF. After controlling the bleeding, we referred her to that institution. However, she could not be treated without an above-elbow amputation. CONCLUSION: Congenital AVF in the upper extremities is a rare vascular anomaly and has been generally accepted to be an extremely difficult disease to treat. Treatment should be started as early as possible before the presence of any symptoms. When a specialist is not available near the hospital, precise information must be found using the Internet and the patient should be referred without any delay.

Peripheral odontogenic keratocyst associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral odontogenic keratocyst (POKC) is a rare gingival cyst showing histologic features identical to those of keratocystic odontogenic tumor. A rare case of POKC associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is presented. STUDY DESIGN: A 24-year-old woman with NBCCS presented with a pigmented papule, 3 mm in size, involving the lingual gingiva of the right canine area of the mandible. Based on a clinical diagnosis of benign pigmentation, an excisional biopsy was performed, and a histopathologic diagnosis of POKC was rendered. RESULTS: The lining cells were positive for the proteins GLI2, BCL2, keratin 8, keratin 17, and mTOR. TP53 and Ber-EP4 were also weakly positive. Gene mutational analysis on a buccal swab sample revealed 2 missense mutations in the PTCH1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: This case is a distinctive example of a genuine soft tissue counterpart of keratocystic odontogenic tumor, in which an aberrant PTCH1-GLI pathway played a considerable role in the pathogenesis.

Integrated genotypic analysis of hedgehog-related genes identifies subgroups of keratocystic odontogenic tumor with distinct clinicopathological features.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) arises as part of Gorlin syndrome (GS) or as a sporadic lesion. Gene mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the hedgehog receptor PTCH1 plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of KCOT. However, some KCOT cases lack evidence for gene alteration of PTCH1, suggesting that other genes in the hedgehog pathway may be affected. PTCH2 and SUFU participate in the occurrence of GS-associated tumors, but their roles in KCOT development are unknown. To elucidate the roles of these genes, we enrolled 36 KCOT patients in a study to sequence their entire coding regions of PTCH1, PTCH2 and SUFU. LOH and immunohistochemical expression of these genes, as well as the downstream targets of hedgehog signaling, were examined using surgically-excised KCOT tissues. PTCH1 mutations, including four novel ones, were found in 9 hereditary KCOT patients, but not in sporadic KCOT patients. A pathogenic mutation of PTCH2 or SUFU was not found in any patients. LOH at PTCH1 and SUFU loci correlated with the presence of epithelial budding. KCOT harboring a germline mutation (Type 1) showed nuclear localization of GLI2 and frequent histological findings such as budding and epithelial islands, as well as the highest recurrence rate. KCOT with LOH but without a germline mutation (Type 2) less frequently showed these histological features, and the recurrence rate was lower. KCOT with neither germline mutation nor LOH (Type 3) consisted of two subgroups, Type 3A and 3B, which were characterized by nuclear and cytoplasmic GLI2 localization, respectively. Type 3B rarely exhibited budding and recurrence, behaving as the most amicable entity. The expression patterns of CCND1 and BCL2 tended to correlate with these subgroups. Our data indicates a significant role of PTCH1 and SUFU in the pathogenesis of KCOT, and the genotype-oriented subgroups constitute entities with different potential aggressiveness.

Clinical manifestations and treatment for keratocystic odontogenic tumors associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a study in 25 Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder and is characterized by tumorigenesis and physical deformity. Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) of the jaws are a common manifestation of this syndrome. This study involved a pooled analysis of Japanese individuals with NBCCS and was performed with the aim of analyzing the clinical features of NBCCS and the patterns of occurrence and recurrence of KCOTs in Japanese individuals. METHODS: This study included 25 patients. The relative frequencies of the major symptoms in these patients were compared with those reported in the literature. We also investigated 11 patients with KCOTs (40 lesions) initially treated at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. RESULTS: KCOTs (100%) and palmar and/or plantar pits (n = 19; 76.0%) were the most frequently observed manifestations. Eleven patients (44.0%) had a radiologically confirmed rib anomaly. Nineteen patients (76.0%) had a family history of the syndrome within first-degree relatives. Japanese patients had a relatively low frequency of basal cell carcinoma (n = 7; 28.0%) and falx calcification (n = 7; 28.0%) compared with that reported in other populations. Twelve of the total 40 KCOTs (30.0%) that were followed up for 6 months or more recurred. All recurrent cases had undergone conservative treatment, whereas no recurrences occurred in cases that had undergone radical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of KCOTs associated with NBCCS is frequently encountered, and further investigations are required to confirm the optimal treatment that will ensure a complete cure improving the patient's quality of life.

Pace maker implantation for elderly individuals over 90 years old.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to discuss validity of pacemaker surgery for elderly individuals over 90 years old. PATIENT: We operated on 12 individuals over 90 years old who had syncope or congestive heart failure in association with bradycardia, between January 2005 and November 2012. METHODS: All 12 patients were referred to us by the cardiology department of our hospital for pacemaker surgery. We applied our routine technique: cutdown of the cephalic vein, creation of a subpectoral pocket, use of screw-in leads, and use of generators with an automatic output control system. RESULTS: All of the patients received a dual chamber system with atrial and ventricular leads and recovered uneventfully. The follow-up period was between 1 month and 7 years. CONCLUSION: An advanced age over 90 years old is not a contraindication for pacemaker surgery.

Expression of basal cell keratin 15 and keratin 19 in oral squamous neoplasms represents diverse pathophysiologies.

Human epithelium contains keratin, which is expressed during differentiation. Depending on the target cell type, different types of keratin are expressed, and their alterations seem to represent changes in cell properties. The basal cells of oral epithelium express keratin 5 (K5), K14, K15 and K19, but their alterations in tumors are unclear. To address this issue and to seek possible diagnostic application, we examined the expression of these keratins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and squamous intraepithelial neoplasm (SIN). cDNA microarray analysis of 43 OSCC revealed slight upregulation of KRT14, downregulation of KRT15 and KRT19, and unaltered KRT5 expression. There were great variations in KRT15 and KRT19 expression across each cancer. Well-differentiated OSCC tended to express more KRT15 and less KRT19 compared to moderately- or poorly-differentiated OSCC. KRT15 was positively correlated with differentiation-related keratin, KRT13. These observations were further investigated by immunohistochemical examination. K5 and K14 were ubiquitously expressed in all 50 OSCC and 50 SIN examined. K15 and K19 were generally downregulated, but were considerably retained in about half of the cases and showed diverse expression patterns. K15-positive cancers tended to show a well-differentiated phenotype, and K19-positive cancers tended to show more invasive tumor fronts. Most K19-positive cancers appeared to develop with little associating SIN. K19 was consistently downregulated in SIN, while K15 was downregulated mainly in high grade SIN. In summary, K15 and K19, unlike K5 or K14, are expressed variably in both SIN and OSCC, which reflects the differences in their pathogenesis and biological behaviors, suggesting their prospective applications as markers for subclassifying OSCC and SIN.

A Case of Life-threatening Hemorrhagic Shock Due to Spontaneous Rupture of a Leg Varicose Vein.

We report a case of massive, life-threatening from a varicose lesion of the right lower extremity. An 81-year-old lady was brought to the emergency room at our hospital because of massive bleeding from her right leg. She had had high ligation of the right saphenous vein at another hospital 2 years ago. After hemostat and transfusion, she recovered from hemorrhagic shock. Three-dimensional enhanced computed tomography angiography revealed a residual right great saphenous vein and recurrent varicose lesion. We performed high ligation of the great saphenous vein and closed all of the residual perforators. The patient was discharged hospital 10 days after the surgery and experienced no bleeding episodes within 8 months after the surgery. Certain high ligation and elimination of perforators of the great saphenous vein in surgery for varicose vein of leg is necessary to prevent lethal bleeding.