Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: knowledge and perceptions of medical professionals on the usage of bone modifying agents and dental referrals.

Bone modifying agents (BMA) like bisphosphonates, antiangiogenic, and antiresorptive agents are widely used to manage bone diseases and cancer. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a potentially serious complication seen in patients on BMA therapy. Dental infection is one of the primary risk factors for MRONJ manifestation; hence its complete removal before initiation of BMA is significant. This can be achieved when a medical professional understands MRONJ and its risk factors and implements timely and regular dental referrals. This multicentre study was performed to assess the knowledge about MRONJ and awareness about the implementation of dental referrals among medical professionals. A custom-designed questionnaire tool was designed and validated by a pilot study. 450 practitioners from 6 medical schools and private practitioners in and around the district were surveyed. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. 63.5% (n=80) of the respondents prescribed bisphosphonates at a frequency of 0-5 times in a month. However, 62% (n=78) of the practitioners could correctly indicate the most appropriate definition of MRONJ. Only 49.2% (n=62) of them considered dental consultation mandatory. 73% (n=92) of the practitioners were unaware of management guidelines. There exists a significant gap in the knowledge-based applications in the management of MRONJ. Lack of referrals to dentists before BMA therapy can be a pivotal factor in patient morbidity. Practitioners prescribing BMA should advise patients about regular dental visits and monitor for symptoms of MRONJ.

Chronic recurrent osteomyelitis: A surgeon's enigma.

BACKGROUND: Chronic recurrent forms of osteomyelitis of the mandible with their morbid clinical course have long been considered a challenge to maxillofacial surgeons in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. Various classifications and treatments have been established through the ages to define and manage the inflammatory symptoms occurring in adults and children. This paper discusses two such entities occurring in an adult and a child, highlighting the diagnostic and treatment challenges of recurrent osteomyelitis. METHODS: A thorough workup which included clinical, radiographic, blood investigations was done, followed by administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory with or without surgical debridement/adjuvant therapies. Correlation of our findings and treatment plan was done with evidence-based literature and practice. RESULTS: Complete resolution of symptoms with radiographic evidence was achieved in both the cases. In the recurrence period, long-term steroids, NSAIDs, antibiotics resulted in better outcomes. CONCLUSION: The evidence-based protocol for osteomyelitis stresses on short inpatient stays predicated on efficient literature. Thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation with aggressive medical management and surgical intervention when necessary can result in longer symptom-free periods. Thus understanding the disease, recurrence pattern and response to therapy is essential.

Role of salivary malondialdehyde in assessment of oxidative stress among diabetics.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the salivary content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with type 2 diabetes and control subjects. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 30 freshly diagnosed subjects of diabetes mellitus and 30 volunteers with no diabetes mellitus. Serum and salivary MDS levels were evaluated among all the subjects. RESULTS: The mean serum MDA in group controls and diabetics was 0.95 ± 0.13 and 3.11 ± 0.42. The mean salivary MDA in group controls and diabetics was 0.26 ± 0.05 µmol/l and 0.81 ± 0.07 µmol/l. The mean serum and salivary MDA levels were significantly higher in group diabetics than control group (p < 0.001 and <0.001) respectively. There was significant positive strong correlation between serum and salivary MDA levels in both controls and diabetics groups (r = 0.857, p < 0.001 and r = 0.891, p < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: MDA was detectable in saliva in both diabetic and control groups. There was a positive significant correlation between salivary and serum MDA in diabetic and control subjects. Hence, salivary MDA appears to be an indicator of serum MDA concentration.

Maffucci’s Syndrome: report of a case with oral manifestation / Síndrome de Maffucci: relato de caso com manifestação oral

Introduction: Maffucci’s Syndrome is a rare nonhereditary mesodermal dysplasia consisting of multiple haemangioma of the soft tissue and enchondromas, mostly affecting phalanges and long bones. The syndrome can also be associated with a variety of other benign and malignant tumors. Case report: Here we report a case of Maffucci’s Syndrome and haemangioma of lip and palate which is rare in this syndrome. This case report describes an 18 year old boy with multiple nodular soft tissue swellings involving the anterior hard palate and lower labial mucosa and bony abnormalities (enchondromas) involving the lower limb.

Introdução: A Síndrome de Maffucci é uma displasia mesodermal não hereditária rara. Consiste de múltiploshemangiomas de tecido mole e encondromas, a maioria afetando as falanges e os ossos longos. A síndromepode também estar associada a uma variedade de tumores benignos e malignos. Relato de caso: O presente trabalho apresenta um caso de Síndrome de Maffucci e hemangioma de lábio e palato, o que é raro nessa síndrome, descrevendo o caso de um garoto de 18 anos de idade com inchaços nodulares múltiplos de tecido mole envolvendo o palato duro anterior e a mucosa labial inferior, além de anomalias ósseas (encondromas)acometendo um membro inferior.

Unilateral segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia: an unusual case report

Facial asymmetry is not an uncommon occurrence in day to day dental practice. It can be caused by various etiologic factors ranging from facial trauma to serious hereditary conditions. Here, we report a rare case of non-syndromic facial asymmetry in a young female, who was born with this condition but was not aware of the progression of asymmetry. No relevant family history was recognized. She was also deficient in both deciduous and permanent teeth in the corresponding region of maxilla. Hence, the cause of this asymmetry was believed to be a segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia of left maxilla accompanied by agenesis of left maxillary premolars and molars and disuse atrophy of corresponding facial musculature. This report briefly discussed the comparative features of segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia, hemimaxillofacial dysplasia, and segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia and justified the differences between segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia and the other two conditions.