Quality of life after upper third molar removal: A prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Third molar extraction is a very common procedure in Dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction of patients undergoing extraction of an upper third molar under local anesthesia. A second objective was to describe the evolution of self-reported pain measured in a visual analogue scale (VAS) in the 7 days after surgery and its relationship with pre- and intraoperative factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was made. Fifty-five patients received a questionnaire assessing social and working isolation, eating and speaking ability, diet modifications, sleep impairment, physical appearance, discomfort at suture removal and overall satisfaction. Pain was registered daily on a VAS scale. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included. Pain decreased lineally across the 7 days, and relief was significant between days 2 and 3. Intraoperative complications were significantly associated with pain. The complication that showed the highest pain score was the tuberosity fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Upper third molar removal significantly affects the patient's quality of life, particularly during the first 2 days after extraction.

[Obstructive symptoms in young woman by left hydrosalpinx]. / Sintomatología obstructiva en mujer joven por hidrosalpinx izquierdo.

We describe the case of a 43 years old woman with obstructive and irritative symptoms after having an hysterectomy. Bladder outlet obstruction was observed in an urodinamyc study. She was later diagnosed with left hidrosalpinx. Salpingectomy was performed, as a result all symptoms have disap-

Comparison of PCR mediated amplification of DNA and the classical methods for detection of Mycobacterium leprae in different types of clinical samples in leprosy patients and contacts.

Traditional staining and microscopic examination techniques for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae, DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a 531-bp fragment of the M. leprae specific gene encoding the 36-kDa antigen, and serodiagnosis with M. leprae specific antigens (PGL-1 and D-BSA) were compared on different clinical specimens (serum samples, slit-skin smears, biopsies and swabs) from 60 leprosy patients attending the Sanatorium of Fontilles. Patients were divided into groups; (i) 20 multibacillary patients (MB) with positive bacteriological index (BI) by conventional methods and on WHO multidrug therapy (MDT); (ii) 30 MB patients with negative BI and completed minimum 2 years treatment MDT; (iii) 10 paucibacillary (PB) patients who had completed 6 months MDT at least 8 years ago. Control groups included four non-leprosy patients for PCR methods and 40 health control patients and 10 tuberculosis patients for serological methods. In the multibacillary BI positive group, there was a good correlation between all methods. All tests were negative in the paucibacillary group, although only a few patients were tested and all had been treated many years ago. One must be cautious concerning the diagnostic potential of these techniques in this type of leprosy. We also studied different combinations of leprosy diagnosis methods to determine the potential risk in a leprosy contact individuals group. The prevalence of antibodies to M. leprae antigens in serum was measured, together with the presence of M. leprae DNA in the nose and lepromin status in a group of 43 contacts of leprosy patients (12 household and 31 occupational) to evaluate the maintenance of infection reservoirs and transmission of the disease. Only two individuals were found to form a potential high risk group.

[Oral status of drug addicted patients. Study of 66 cases]. / Etat bucco-dentaire chez le patient accoutumé aux drogues: étude de 66 cas.

We studied 66 heroin-addicted patients from Valencia Community, comparing them with a control group of 30 healthy subjects. In all cases the CAO index and gingival state were analysed, including possible pathology of oral mucous. It was revealed that the major oral deterioration was in the experimental group. This was directly related to oral hygiene deficiency, which was brought about in the period of active addiction. At the same time the difference in oral mucous pathology between the two groups was not significant.

[Acute hepatitis in heroin addicts: etiologic and follow-up study of 110 cases]. / Hepatitis aguda en heroinómanos: estudio etiológico y evolutivo de 110 casos.

In order to know the etiology and natural history of acute viral hepatitis in intravenous drugs abusers, a panel of 110 heroin addicts, suffering acute hepatitis, is studied. The B virus, by itself or in conjunction with the delta virus was responsible for 63 cases. 35 patients suffered of NANB hepatitis and only two patients were diagnosed of hepatitis A. Delta infection was detected in 38 of the 77 cases of HBsAg-positive acute hepatitis. All the hepatitis B patients had serum conversion within the first 6 months of the acute episode. All the patients suffering acute delta hepatitis and 75% of those suffering non-A, non-B hepatitis, developed chronic hepatic disease. We conclude that in our environment, the B virus is the main responsible for acute hepatitis in heroin addicts. Delta infection is detected in almost half of the heroin addicts with HBsAg-positive acute hepatitis. The acute hepatitis caused by B virus, or by B and delta viruses simultaneously, have a satisfactory evolution, thus, almost all the cases are cured within 6 months. On the contrary, hepatitis caused by NANB or delta viruses usually progresses to chronic hepatic disease.