Dietary inflammatory index in relation to salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis: A cross-sectional analysis.

AIM: To examine the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis after controlling for body mass index (BMI), socio-demographic factors and lifestyle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgroups from two Finnish surveys, DILGOM 2007 and Health 2000, were included (total n = 727). The DII scores were calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire. Periodontal status was assessed with a cumulative risk score in DILGOM 2007 and by pocket depth measurement in Health 2000. From saliva, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The DII scores did not differ between non-periodontitis and periodontitis participants in pairwise comparison. After adjusting for energy intake, periodontal status, BMI, age, education level, smoking habit and physical activity, DII was not associated with salivary cytokine concentrations. After adjusting for salivary cytokine levels and other confounding factors, DII was associated with periodontitis in the Health 2000 subgroup but not in the DILGOM 2007 subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The current data support the evidence that diet is not associated with salivary cytokine levels but may be associated with periodontitis. The association observed between diet and periodontitis is related to factors other than diet-dependent inflammatory tendency in the oral cavity.

Associations of inflammatory polyarthritis with clinical and radiological findings of temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of different forms of inflammatory polyarthritis with clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and radiological findings in temporomandibular joint (TMJ), based on a nationwide health survey in Finland. The aim was also to assess the presence of clinical and radiological TMD findings in subjects with increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationally representative sample included 6331 Finnish adults who participated in the Health 2000 Survey (BRIF8901). Subjects were examined for signs of TMD, findings in panoramic radiograph of TMJ, musculoskeletal health and serology (rheumatoid factor, RF, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, aCCP). RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of seronegative RA and 60% of seropositive RA subjects had at least one sign of TMD. While adjusting for confounding factors (gender, age, dentures and smoking history), RA was significantly associated with crepitation and abnormal radiological findings in TMJ. Seronegative RA was also associated with restricted mouth opening. Systemic autoimmunity associated with RA ("at risk of RA") was not associated with clinical or radiological TMD findings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiological findings of TMD are more prevalent among subjects with inflammatory polyarthritis than among the population in general in the Finnish adult population.

Unlike severe periodontitis, caries does not associate with intracranial aneurysms or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Periodontal diseases and caries are common oral diseases that predispose to tooth loss if untreated. In this study, we investigated whether loss of teeth or caries associate with intracranial aneurysm (IA) pathology similar to periodontal diseases. METHODS: A total of 166 patients with either IA or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) underwent oral examination in Kuopio University Hospital and Tampere University Hospital. Findings were compared to geographically matched controls acquired from cross-sectional Health2000 survey. This study consisted of three sequential steps. First, we compared the number of missing teeth and prevalence of caries in IA and aSAH patients and geographically matched control population, second step was a multivariate analysis including other risk factors, and third step was a 13-year follow-up of the Health2000 survey participants with missing teeth or caries at baseline. RESULTS: Loss of teeth did not significantly differ between IA patients and controls. In logistic regression model adjusted for known risk factors and demographic data, 1-4 caries lesions (OR: 0.40 95%Cl 0.2-0.9, p = 0.031) was associated with lack of IAs, while age (OR: 1.03 95%Cl 1.01.1 p = 0.024), current smoking (OR: 2.7 95%Cl 1.4-5.1, p = 0.003), and severe periodontitis (OR: 5.99 95%Cl 2.6-13.8, p < 0.001) associated to IA formation. In the cox-regression, severe periodontitis at baseline increased the risk of aSAH (HR: 14.3, 95%Cl 1.5-135.9, p = 0.020) during a 13-year follow-up, while caries or missing teeth did not. CONCLUSION: Unlike severe periodontitis, caries does not increase the risk of IAs and aSAHs. However, cariogenic bacteria may participate to IA pathology by disseminating to circulation via inflamed gingival tissue.

Periodontal condition and ultrasound-based measures of arterial stiffness: results of the Health 2000 Survey.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis has been associated with inflammatory processes in arterial walls such as impairment in endothelial function and thickening of intima media. As inflammation plays a role also in arterial stiffening, an association between periodontal inflammation and arterial stiffness can be expected. So far, conflicting results of the association between periodontal disease and arterial stiffness have been reported. Many of the earlier studies were conducted in specific populations and heterogeneous measures of both arterial stiffness and periodontal status were used. In this population-based study we aimed to investigate whether periodontal pocketing and gingival bleeding are associated with ultrasound-based measures of arterial stiffness. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, two sets of data based on the national Health 2000 Survey in Finland were formed. Data set I comprised never-smoking 45-64-year-old dentate (≥ 10 natural teeth), non-diabetic, non-rheumatic, non-obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2), non-hypertensive subjects with no coronary artery disease or ongoing lipid-lowering medications (n = 157). Data set II was formed of an unrestricted 45-74-year-old dentate population (n = 536). Four arterial stiffness measures (carotid artery compliance, Peterson's elastic modulus, Young's elastic modulus and beta stiffness index) based on an ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery were used. Periodontal parameters included the number of teeth with ≥ 4 mm deep periodontal pockets and the number of sextants with gingival bleeding. ß-estimates, confidence intervals, and p-values were obtained from linear regression models. RESULTS: In Data set I, the adjusted ß-estimates for the association between the number of teeth with ≥ 4 mm deep periodontal pockets and Peterson's elastic modulus and Young's elastic modulus were 15.80 (p = 0.12) and 61.02 (p = 0.22), respectively. The respective ß-estimates were 31.06 (p = 0.17) and 121.16 (p = 0.28) for the association between the number of bleeding sextants and these two stiffness measures. The results in Data set II were in line with the results in Data set I, with the exception that the adjusted ß-estimates for the associations between Peterson's elastic modulus and Young's elastic modulus and periodontal parameters were closer to null. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study did not provide evidence of an association between periodontal condition and arterial stiffness.

Association between periodontal condition and blood pressure is confounded by smoking.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of smoking as a confounding factor in the association between periodontal pocketing and blood pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After restriction to 45-64-year-old subjects without hypertension, diabetes, rheumatic diseases, obesity and with no history of cardiovascular diseases or ongoing lipid-lowering medications, the study population consisted of 307 subjects of the Health 2000 Survey in Finland. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (mmHg) were used as outcome variables. Periodontal condition was measured by the number of teeth with ≥4 mm periodontal pockets. ß-estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained from linear regression models. Analyses were made in the whole study population and stratified according to smoking habits/history. RESULTS: The number of teeth with ≥4 mm periodontal pockets associated statistically significantly with systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in the whole study population. Among never-smokers or daily smokers, there were no consistent nor statistically significant associations between the number of teeth with ≥4 mm periodontal pockets and systolic/diastolic blood pressure or pulse pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking appeared to confound the association between periodontal condition and blood pressure. Thorough control for the effect of smoking was not obtained using multivariate models.

Dental caries among Finnish teenagers participating in physical activity and diet intervention: association with anthropometrics and behavioural factors.

BACKGROUND: An association between childhood anthropometric measurements and dental caries is conflicting. The prevalence and severity of dental caries and its association with anthropometric and behavioural factors, were investigated among Finnish teenagers. METHODS: The study sample comprised 202 15-17-year-old participants in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. Dental caries findings were recorded using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria, including activity estimation; numbers of decayed teeth (DT) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were recorded. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured and respective body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body fat percentage was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Health-related behaviours and consumption of food and drinks were assessed using questionnaires, and intake of nutrients using a 4-day food record. RESULTS: Mean DMFT for all the participants was 2.4 (SD = 2.9), DT 0.6 (SD = 1.3), and 36% had DMFT = 0. No difference between genders was observed. In bivariate analyses, use of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) three times or less per week and not having used snuff associated significantly, whereas higher carbohydrate intake (E%), toothbrushing less often than twice a day and higher caries experience at baseline almost significantly with DT > 0. In adjusted regression analyses, frequent use of SSB and higher carbohydrate intake increased the odds for DT > 0. Additionally, higher carbohydrate intake (E%) and infrequent tooth brushing significantly associated with a higher number of DT. CONCLUSION: Caries prevalence is still low and similar in Finnish teenage girls and boys. Behavioural factors are, but anthropometric factors are not associated with dental caries.

Effect of smoking on periodontal health and validation of self-reported smoking status with serum cotinine levels.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether self-reported smoking and serum cotinine levels associate with periodontal pocket development and to determine the accuracy of self-reported smoking using serum cotinine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 4-year prospective cohort study included data from 294 dentate adults, aged ≥30 years, who participated in both the Health 2000 Survey and the Follow-up Study of Finnish Adults' Oral Health. Subjectively reported smoking status (daily smokers n = 62, occasional smokers n = 12, quitters n = 49, and never-smokers n = 171), serum cotinine levels, demographic factors, education level, dental behaviours and medical history were collected at baseline. The outcome measure was the number of teeth with periodontal pocketing ≥4 mm over 4 years. RESULTS: Self-reported daily smokers had 1.82 (95% CI: 1.32-2.50) higher incidence of deepened periodontal pockets than never-smokers. A positive association was observed between serum cotinine (≥42.0 µg/L) and the development of periodontal pockets. The misclassification rate of self-reported smoking was 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Both self-reported daily smoking and higher serum cotinine were associated with periodontal pocket development. Self-reported smoking was fairly accurate in this study. However, higher cotinine levels among a few self-reported never-smokers indicated misreporting or passive smoking. Thus, self-reports alone are not enough to assess the smoking-attributable disease burden.

Adherence to oral appliance treatment and its determinants in obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Treatment effectiveness, in terms of health benefits, is a composite of efficacy and adherence. Oral appliance (OA) usage is mainly based on self-reports, but nowadays, objective adherence monitoring for OAs is available. This study investigated the objective OA adherence and its determinants in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 29 subjects who were treated with OA; mean [SD] age 51.4 [11.1]; mean apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) [SD] 19.5 [10.0]. Anthropometric and sociodemographic parameters, AHI, daytime sleepiness, snoring, and adverse effects of OA as potential determinants were evaluated. Patients were classified as regular users if they wore OA at least 4 hours nightly 5-7 nights a week. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: At the 3-month follow-up, 68% of subjects were regular users and at 12-month follow-up, 64%. AHI, sociodemographic parameters, or adverse effects were not associated with OA adherence. Snoring seemed to improve weakly adherence, whereas mandibular retrusion reduced the weekly use, and smoking the nightly use of OAs. LIMITATIONS: The follow-up time was short, and there were a relatively small number of patients with obtainable adherence data, therefore it is difficult to establish if OA therapy alone is a successful long-term treatment option for OSA patients. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Adherence to OA therapy is mainly the outcome of patients' subjective comfort in everyday life through eliminating social disturbance of snoring. To best meet a subject's individual treatment need and to prevent suboptimal use of OA, a patient-tailored therapy including digital wear-time documentation is recommended.

Periodontitis and gingival bleeding associate with intracranial aneurysms and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Oral bacteria DNA has been found in intracranial aneurysms (IA) and a high prevalence of periodontitis was reported in IA patients. We investigated whether periodontitis associates with IA formation and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). First, we compared in a case-control setting the prevalence of periodontal disease in IA patients (42 unruptured IA, 34 ruptured IA) and in age- and gender-matched controls (n = 70) from the same geographical area (Health 2000 Survey, BRIF8901). Next, we investigated whether periodontitis at baseline associated with aSAH in a 13-year follow-up study of 5170 Health 2000 Survey participants. Follow-up data was obtained from national hospital discharge and cause of death registries. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and Cox-regression were used. Periodontitis (≥ 4mm gingival pocket) and severe periodontitis (≥ 6mm gingival pocket) were found in 92% and 49% of IA patients respectively and associated with IAs (OR 5.3, 95%CI 1.1-25.9, p < 0.000 and OR 6.3, 95%CI 1.3-31.4, p < 0.001, respectively). Gingival bleeding had an even stronger association, especially if detected in 4-6 teeth sextants (OR 34.4, 95%CI 4.2-281.3). Severe periodontitis in ≥ 3 teeth or gingival bleeding in 4-6 teeth sextants at baseline increased the risk of aSAH during follow-up (HR 22.5, 95%CI 3.6-139.5, p = 0.001 and HR 8.3, 95%CI 1.5-46.1, p = 0.015, respectively). Association of periodontitis and gingival bleeding with risk of IA development and aSAH was independent of gender, smoking status, hypertension, or alcohol abuse. Periodontitis and gingival bleeding associate with increased risk for IA formation and eventual aSAH. Further epidemiological and mechanistic studies are indicated.

The combined effect of individually tailored xerostomia and nutritional interventions on dry mouth among nutritionally compromised old home care clients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of tailored xerostomia and nutritional 6-month interventions on xerostomia among home care clients aged 75 years or over who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. BACKGROUND: A subjective feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) is common among older adults and affects their quality of life, nutrition and oral health. Medical conditions, polypharmacy, dehydration and malnutrition are often underlying causes of xerostomia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data are based on the NutOrMed study with a dietary intervention group of 119 patients and control group of 97 patients. In-home interviews were carried out by home care nurses, nutritionists, dental hygienists and pharmacists and tailored interventions by nutritionist and dental hygienists. Xerostomia intervention included individual counselling on dry mouth care and was applied to all those suffering occasionally or continuously from xerostomia (57%, n = 66) in the intervention group. Nutritional intervention was applied to all participants in the intervention group, and it included instructions on increasing the number of meals, energy, protein intake and liquid intake. RESULTS: Among participants who received both interventions, xerostomia decreased by 30% and malnutrition or risk of malnutrition decreased by 61%. The interventions were highly significant (OR 0.1, 95% CI: 0.06; 0.2) in reducing xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: Home care clients suffering from xerostomia profited significantly from tailored xerostomia and dietary interventions. Evaluation and treatment of xerostomia are important among older persons who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition as a part of a comprehensive health intervention to improve their nutrition and oral health.

Association between alcohol use and periodontal pockets in Finnish adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether alcohol use is associated with deepened periodontal pockets and whether this association is dependent on age, gender or socioeconomic position (SEP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study, based on the Health 2000 Survey, consisted of dentate, non-smoking Finnish adults aged 30-65 years (n = 3059). The outcome was the number of teeth with deepened (≥4 mm) periodontal pockets. The exposure was self-reported alcohol use assessed as amount, frequency, and use over the risk limit. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: In this study, alcohol use did not consistently associate with the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. An association with the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was found among men, older participants, and those participants belonging to basic or intermediate educational groups. An association with poor periodontal health was observed among men or older participants who belonged to the basic or intermediate educational group, whereas such associations were not observed among those participants belonging to the higher educational group. CONCLUSIONS: The association between alcohol use and periodontal health appears to be confounded by individual characteristics such as age, gender, and especially one's SEP.

Periodontitis is associated with incident chronic liver disease-A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic liver disease is a major health concern worldwide and the identification of novel modifiable risk factors may benefit subjects at risk. Few studies have analyzed periodontitis as a risk factor for liver complications. We studied whether periodontitis is associated with incident severe liver disease. METHODS: The study comprised 6165 individuals without baseline liver disease who participated in the Finnish population-based Health 2000 Survey (BRIF8901) during 2000-2001, a nationally representative cohort. Follow-up was until 2013 for liver-related admissions, liver cancer and mortality from National Hospital Discharge, Finnish Cancer Registry and Causes of Death Register, Statistics Finland. Mild to moderate periodontitis was defined as ≥1 tooth with periodontal pocket ≥4 mm deep, and advanced periodontitis as ≥5 teeth with such pockets. Multiple confounders were considered. RESULTS: A total of 79 subjects experienced a severe liver event during follow-up. When adjusted for age, sex and number of teeth, hazards ratios by Cox regression regarding incident severe liver disease were, for mild to moderate periodontitis, 2.12 (95% CI 0.98-4.58), and, for advanced periodontitis, 3.69 (95% CI 1.79-7.60). These risk estimates remained stable after additionally adjusting for alcohol use, smoking, metabolic risk, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase, dental-care habits, lifestyle and socioeconomic status. Periodontal disease-associated liver risk was accentuated among subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or heavy alcohol use at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis was associated with incident liver disease in the general population independently of various confounders. As a preventable disease, periodontal disease might present a modifiable risk factor for chronic liver disease.

Ameloblastoma: a retrospective single institute study of 34 subjects.

Objective: This study aims to clarify demographic and clinical aspects of patients with ameloblastoma treated at a single Finnish institute during 1985-2016. Associations between predictor variables (gender and age) and outcome variables (location, tumour type, growth patterns and average tumour size) were sought.Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed and implemented including 34 patients diagnosed with primary ameloblastoma and treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital. Patient records were investigated, and tissue samples re-evaluated. The chi-square test was used on all categorized variables and t-test for continuous ones. A p value equal to or under .05 was considered significant.Results: Males were slightly more predominant among the Finnish patients with ameloblastoma. Maxillary tumours were seen exclusively in male patients (p = .034). Additionally, these patients were older than patients with mandibular tumours (p = .007). A mixture in histological growth patterns was more common than originally anticipated. The study revealed a wide range of clinical signs and subjective symptoms, of which pain or other sensations were experienced most often.Conclusions: This study of 34 subjects shows that southern Finnish patients with ameloblastoma do not substantially differ from patients in similar study designs.

Associated Injuries Are Frequent and Severe Among Geriatric Patients With Zygomatico-Orbital Fractures.

PURPOSE: Associated injuries (AIs) are hypothesized to be frequent in geriatric zygomatico-orbital (ZMO) fractures. The study aim was to determine the relation between ZMO fractures and AIs in geriatric patients compared with younger adult patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-and-control study was carried out on geriatric patients at least 65 years of age (n = 93) and younger adult patients 20 to 30 years of age (n = 68) diagnosed with pure unilateral ZMO fractures. The main exposure was age, the primary outcome was AI outside the face, and the secondary outcomes were type and severity of AI, ocular injuries, restriction of mandibular movement, and ZMO buttress asymmetry. The confounding variables were gender, trauma mechanism, type of ZMO fracture, and dislocation. Statistical analyses included χ2 tests, risk evaluation with 2 × 2 tables, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: AIs outside the face, and particularly brain injuries, were significantly more frequent in the geriatric group than in the control group (P < .001). The significant predictors of AIs outside the face were fall from a height (66.7%), motor vehicle accidents (66.7%), and absence of ZMO dislocation (59.5%; P < .001). The adjusted risk of brain injury was 2.5-fold in the absence of dislocation. The geriatric group had a more than 5-fold higher risk of brain injuries compared with the younger control group (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: AIs in general, and particularly brain injuries, are frequent in geriatric ZMO fractures. Intracranial injuries should be ruled out, particularly in geriatric patients diagnosed with a non-dislocated ZMO fracture.

More Harm Than Benefit of Perioperative Dexamethasone on Recovery Following Reconstructive Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: Prospective studies on the effect of dexamethasone after microvascular reconstructive head and neck surgery are sparse despite the widespread use of dexamethasone in this setting. The aim of this study was to clarify whether perioperative use of dexamethasone would improve the quality and speed of recovery. The authors hypothesized that dexamethasone would enhance recovery and diminish pain and nausea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients with oropharyngeal cancer and microvascular reconstruction were included in this prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients in the study group (n = 51) received dexamethasone 60 mg over 3 perioperative days; 42 patients did not receive dexamethasone and served as controls. Patient rehabilitation, postoperative opioid and insulin consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte, and lactate levels were recorded. RESULTS: There was significantly less pain in the study group (P = .030) and the total oxycodone dose for 5 days postoperatively was lower (P = .040). Dexamethasone did not significantly lessen PONV for 5 days postoperatively (P > .05). There were no differences between groups in intensive care unit or hospital stay or in other clinical measures of recovery. Patients receiving dexamethasone required significantly more insulin compared with patients in the control group (P < .001). Lactate and leukocyte levels were significantly higher (P < .001) and CRP levels were significantly lower in the study group. CONCLUSION: The only benefit of perioperative dexamethasone use was lower total oxycodone dose; however, the disadvantages were greater. Because dexamethasone can have adverse effects on the postoperative course, routine use of dexamethasone as a pain or nausea medication during reconstructive head and neck cancer surgery is not recommended.

Behavior of C-reactive protein in association with surgery of facial fracture and the influence of dexamethasone.

PURPOSE: To clarify pre- and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with facial fractures and to investigate the influence of perioperatively administered dexamethasone on postoperative CRP levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Facial fracture patients were randomized to receive perioperatively a total dose of 30 mg of dexamethasone (Oradexon®), whereas patients in the control group received no glucocorticoid. The analysis included patients who had CRP measured pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 73 adult patients with facial fractures were included in the final analysis. Mean CRP level was elevated preoperatively and the level increased further after surgery. However, postoperative CRP rise was significantly impeded by dexamethasone (p < 0.001), regardless of gender, age, treatment delay, site of fracture, surgical approach, and duration of surgery. CRP rise halved on the 1st postoperative day when dexamethasone was used. In addition, dexamethasone resulted in a CRP decrease on the 2nd postoperative day, whereas the CRP rise continued in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: CRP rise is a normal body response after facial fracture and surgery that can be markedly reduced with dexamethasone. CRP changes should be considered with caution if perioperative dexamethasone is used.

Isolated Orbital Fractures Are Severe Among Geriatric Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to clarify the reasons for, types of, and degree of involvement of the orbital wall and the severity of orbital fractures in geriatric patients and to compare the differences between geriatric and younger adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of geriatric patients aged at least 65 years (n = 72) and younger controls aged 20 to 50 years (n = 58) with a diagnosis of a unilateral isolated orbital fracture was designed and implemented. The main exposure was age, the primary outcome was the isolated orbital fracture type, and the secondary outcomes were the associated orbital zones, fracture area (cm2), degree of dislocation (mm), involvement of anatomic landmarks, diplopia, altered ocular position, restricted eye movement, and ocular injuries. The confounding variables were gender, trauma mechanism, and alcohol abuse. The statistical methods included χ2 tests and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Among the geriatric patients, the great majority of isolated orbital fractures had been caused by falls (66.7%; P < .001). Geriatric orbital fractures were significantly more often extensive (2 cm2 or larger; P = .045) and associated with the middle-posterior orbital third (P = .032). In the logistic regression analyses, the elderly had a 2.2-fold greater risk of fractures of the middle-posterior orbital third and a 2.3-fold greater risk of extensive fractures compared with the younger controls. Ocular injuries were only diagnosed in the geriatric patients (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Falling is the most common mechanism of elderly orbital fractures. Isolated orbital fractures are extensive and mainly affect the globe supporting the middle and posterior parts of the orbital floor among geriatric patients.

Does Dexamethasone Facilitate Neurosensory Function Regeneration After Zygomatic Fracture? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study sought to clarify the rate of neurosensory disturbance (NSD) after zygomatic complex fractures in general, as well as the effect of perioperatively administered dexamethasone on neurosensory recovery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-blinded randomized study aiming to clarify the benefits of perioperative dexamethasone after surgery. The patients were randomly assigned either to receive dexamethasone (up to a total dose of 10 or 30 mg) or to act as control patients (no glucocorticoid treatment). The outcome variable was NSD, the presence of which was established when patients had any sensory disturbance of the infraorbital nerve. Other predictor variables included in the analysis were age, gender, time span from accident to surgery, surgical approach to the fracture line, and relation of the fracture to the infraorbital foramen. The statistical significance of associations was evaluated with χ2 tests. RESULTS: We included 64 patients in the analyses. Of the patients in the dexamethasone group (either 10 or 30 mg), 58.3% had NSD at 6 months postoperatively, whereas in the control group, 66.7% of the patients had NSD. This finding was not statistically significant (P = .565). At the 1-month interval, the patients without a fracture through the infraorbital foramen had less NSD (P = .009); this finding was not significant at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Age, gender, injury mechanism, surgical approach, and time span from accident to surgery were not significant predictors of NSD. In total, 64.4% of the patients still had NSD at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no benefits of short-term, high-dose dexamethasone administration in the neurosensory recovery of patients with zygomatic complex fractures. The type of primary trauma is the main cause of NSD, but the precise predictors remain unknown.

Postoperative leukocyte changes in facial fracture patients: a randomized prospective study with short-term dexamethasone.

PURPOSE: We investigated leukocyte changes in facial fracture patients undergoing surgery. Of specific interest was the effect of perioperative dexamethasone on leukocyte changes. METHODS: Facial fracture patients were randomized to receive perioperatively a total dose of 30 mg of dexamethasone, whereas patients in the control group received no glucocorticoid. All patients received antibiotics until postoperative days 7-10. Leukocyte count was measured on postoperative days 1 and 2. Clinical infections were observed during the follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 110 adult patients were included in the study. Postoperative leukocytosis was found in 91.2% of patients receiving dexamethasone and in 67.9% of controls. Dexamethasone was associated strongly with leukocyte rise (p < 0.001) on both postoperative days. Transoral surgery and younger age (≤40 years) showed significant associations with leukocytosis on the first postoperative day (p = 0.002). In regression analyses, dexamethasone associated with leukocytosis most significantly (p < 0.001). No association was found with infections. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone use was the most significant predictor of leukocyte rise. As a drug response, perioperative dexamethasone caused sixfold postoperative leukocytosis. High-dose dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis may confuse the clinical decision-making especially in assessment of early infections.

Serum lipids modify periodontal infection - interleukin-6 association.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the systemic response against a local inflammatory process in periodontium is dependent on the individual's serum lipid composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was based on a subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey that included 878 subjects who were aged between 45 and 64 years, dentate, non-diabetic and non-rheumatic. The inflammatory condition of periodontium was measured by means of the number of teeth with deepened (4 mm or deeper) periodontal pockets. Systemic inflammation was assessed by means of the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The association between an inflammatory condition in the periodontium and the systemic inflammatory response was analysed using linear regression models. RESULTS: The number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was associated with elevated serum IL-6 levels among subjects with an unfavourable lipid composition (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥3.7 mmol/l or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <1.3 mmol/l). There was no association between serum TNF-α levels and the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets in these data. CONCLUSION: The systemic response against the inflammatory condition of periodontium varied between individuals. The variation appeared to be dependent on the serum lipid composition or related factors.