Cephalometry as an aid in the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is part of a spectrum of sleep disorders causing snoring, gasping, and choking while sleeping. In children, OSA can also lead to behavioural issues, hyperactivity, and poor academic performance. Thus, early identification and management of OSA in children is crucial in preventing long-term health problems. The gold standard test for diagnosis is an overnight in-lab polysomnography (PSG). However, due to certain constraints associated with PSG, such as lack of accessibility, high expenses incurred, as well as the need for hospitalization, alternative diagnostic tools are needed. Cephalometry is a non-invasive, affordable diagnostic tool that may offer useful information in the evaluation of OSA. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the various cephalometric parameters associated with the diagnosis of OSA in children. Methods: A structured literature search was performed using the search engines PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google scholar from inception till July 2022. The weighted mean difference (z-test) was calculated using a random effects method (REM). Results: 16 studies were included in the review and meta-analysis was executed for each cephalometric parameter. The parameters of significance (p < 0.05) in Pediatric OSA with lower heterogeneity were associated with McNamara's and Linder-Aronson's analysis, the hyoid bone position, a retrognathic mandible, and an acute cranial base angle. Conclusions: Certain parameters in craniofacial morphology may be reliable diagnostic parameters. Further long-term studies are needed in order to shed more light in this area.

Case Report: Holistic dental care for a child with Hunter syndrome: Addressing dental ramifications, overcoming challenges, and enhancing quality of life.

Hunter syndrome (MPS II), an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder, is a result of deficiency of the iduronate 2-sulfatase enzyme (IDS), leading to cognitive impairment, systemic organ involvement, and increased dental problems. This case report describes the management of a child with Hunter syndrome who was referred to the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry for pain in the upper front teeth. Intraoral examination revealed severe early childhood caries, prompting planning for full-mouth rehabilitation under general anaesthesia due to the child's uncooperative behaviour. In response to recommendations from the Department of Otolaryngology and the Department of Paediatric Surgery, a comprehensive treatment plan consolidated full-mouth rehabilitation in addition to adenoidectomy and inguinal and umbilical herniotomy procedures during a single session of general anaesthesia. Successful interventions were reflected in the uneventful one-month follow-up of the patient, highlighting the efficacy of the interdisciplinary approach. The key takeaway underscores the importance of collaborative interventions, emphasising singular intubation for patients requiring recurrent hospitalisations, providing both monetary relief and reducing post operative healing time. Designed to address global developmental delay in the child, a personalised home care plan was also implemented. Evaluation of plaque and gingival indices before and after the home care regimen demonstrated a notable improvement, indicating an enhanced oral quality of life.

Content analysis of patient material resources on the internet for oral cancer-An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world over and is a major public health problem. There are numerous resources on the internet which provide information related to oral cancer. However, they may not be optimal and standardized. The present study was conducted to assess the quality, readability, and content of the online resources for oral cancer. METHODS: The content analysis approach was employed for the present study. Google search engine was employed to search for various online resources on oral cancer. The first 50 websites were evaluated for their quality and readability. Flesch-Kincaid readability tests were used to assess the readability of the internet material and consisted of Flesch reading ease and Flesch-Kincaid grade level. The quality of websites was assessed by Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks and HONcode (Health Over Net code). RESULTS: A total of 12 (32.43%) of the websites were fairly difficult to comprehend, while none of the websites were easy/very easy to comprehend. A total of 8 (21.62%) websites were readable by only college-level graduates. Overall, 21 (56.76%) of the websites did not have HONcode certification. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that a majority of the websites were fairly difficult to comprehend and readable by college-level graduates. There is a definite need to monitor the quality of the websites on oral cancer. The present study highlights the need for stringent norms and regulations regarding oral cancer made available to the common man on the internet.