Analysis of peripheral central venous access ports at the forearm: An observational study.

The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of central venous catheters with brachial-implanted reservoirs and the complications associated with their use over a 4-years period. This observational study was carried out in an onco-haematological day hospital in Spain. Information was collected about 125 catheters inserted in patients requiring intravenous chemotherapy. There were more catheters implanted in women than men and the mean age was 58.6 years. Seventy of the implanted catheters were made of polyurethane and 55 of silicone. Left laterality prevailed with a mean catheter dwell-time of 347.1 days. A total of 164 complications were registered, 124 of them came from blood draws, where the most frequent complication was "inability to withdraw, ability to infuse". Forty complications were associated with the administration of treatments. Furthermore, there were 21 catheter removals, caused by several other complications different from those mentioned before. Statistically significant differences were found when associating types of catheters, laterality, blood draws and administration of treatments. Results showed how silicone ports would be more appropriate for patients who carry these types or ports than polyurethane because they reduce the number of complications causes by thrombosis.

Periodontal health of a low socioeconomic level population in Yucatan (Mexico): A cross-sectional study.

With the objective of assessing the periodontal health status, treatment needs, and oral hygiene habits of the population of Mérida, in Mexico, a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Four hundred forty individuals individually completed a questionnaire on oral health, oral hygiene habits, and quality of life. Additionally, a complete clinical dental examination was performed for each. For the statistical analysis, continuous variables (means and standard deviation) and categorical variables (frequencies) were studied. The associations were made using the analysis of variance test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. The critical value to identify statistically significant differences was P < .05. The main concern of the population was the possible untreated caries they thought they had, with 36.21% followed by pain with 14.62%. Possible periodontal issues were the main discomfort for only 9%. The percentage of the sample that required periodontal intervention by a specialist was 21.14%. Statistically significant differences were found between age, place of residence, socioeconomic level, and schooling. There are great deficiencies in oral health in the studied group, which is accompanied by a great need for periodontal treatment. Periodontal health is closely related to oral hygiene, so the related sociocultural level should also be taken into account for the study of oral health in the most vulnerable populations. It is crucial to establish strategies to promote oral health.