Morphological analysis of the skeletal development in lateral cephalometric radiographs of HIV infected children ongoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the skeletal development of HIV infected children through a morphological analysis of the cervical vertebrae (CV) in lateral cephalometric radiographs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 86 lateral cephalometric radiographs of male and female children aged between 6 and 14 years old. The radiographs were equally distributed in groups 1 (HIV infected children) and 2 (non-infected children, paired by sex and age). Two examiners analyzed the CV according to the method of Hassel and Farman (1995). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to associate age and skeletal development within groups, while Mann-Whitney test compared the skeletal development between groups. RESULTS: The correlation of age and skeletal development in group 1 reached 0.17, 0.27 and 0.27 (p>0.05) for C2, C3 and C4, respectively, while in group 2 it reached 0.65, 0.54 and 0.60, respectively (p<0.001). Differences were not significant between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infected and non-infected children showed a similar development of the CV. However, the weak correlation between age and CV development in HIV infected children highlights the need for careful decisions prior to therapeutic approaches - especially those founded on the prediction of skeletal development, such as maxillofacial surgeries, and orthopedic and orthodontic procedures.

Bismuth subgallate as a topical haemostatic agent at the palatal wounds: a histologic study in dogs.

This study evaluated the early recovery process of the palatal wounds of dogs using bismuth subgallate. Five healthy adult male dogs underwent eight 5-mm partial-thickness punch biopsies in two paired columns on the palatal mastigatory mucosa. For the haemostasis, one side received moistened gauze pressure (test group 1), and the other received bismuth subgallate (test group 2). A description of the epithelium and connective tissue repair was made at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. During the first days, a mass of disorganized tissue covered the connective tissue, in which there was intense chronic inflammation, and migration of epithelium cells from the edges towards the central region to close to the wound was seen. The final evaluation demonstrated well organized epithelial and connective tissues in all the samples. Epithelium thickness was measured at 0, 14 and 21 days, from images of the digitalized histological sections. In comparisons between the test groups, the bismuth subgallate group was slightly better than the saline group, but no statistically significant difference was found at 21 days. It was possible to conclude that bismuth subgallate did not interfere in the tissue repair of the palatal mastigatory mucosa in dogs.

Effects of benzodiazepine and pilocarpine on rat parotid glands: histomorphometric and sialometric study.

Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed drugs and are often related with dry mouth. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that increases salivary flow rate and has been used to treat xerostomia. This study aimed to measure salivary flow rate of rats under chronic treatment with benzodiazepine (Diazepam), to analyze by histomorphometry the effects of the drug in the parotids glands and to verify the effect of the pilocarpine in glandular parenchyma and in the salivary flow rate. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups. Control groups received saline during 60 days (C60) and pilocarpine (Pilo) during 60 days. Experimental groups were dealt with Diazepam associated with saline (DS), and Diazepam associated with pilocarpine (DP) during 60 days. The stimulated salivary flow rate was obtained by using the gravimetric method. After the animals were killed, parotid glands were removed and mass and size were determined. The specimens were processed and stereological analysis revealed cell volume. Mean values of size and salivary flow rate varied from 9.007 mm and 0.015 mg/min in DS to 7.854 mm and 0.029 mg/min in DP, respectively. ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between groups for size (p=0.0028) and salivary flow rate (p=0.0003). Psychotropic drugs caused hyposalivation in rats and acinar hypertrophy in their parotid glands. Pilocarpine, a cholinergic agonist with topical appliance, showed significant secretagogue action in the treatment of hyposalivation induced by Diazepam chronic use.

Fanconi's anemia: clinical and radiographic oral manifestations.

BACKGROUND: Fanconi's anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, congenital abnormalities, and predisposition to malignancies. There are 11 genetic subtypes characterized by complementation groups - FA- A, B, C, D1, D2, E, F, G, I, J, and L. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and describe clinical, oral and radiographic manifestations of patients with FA. METHODS: A quantitative analysis of clinical manifestations, oral lesions and panoramic radiographs was performed in 33 patients. RESULTS: Clinical manifestations included melanin skin pigmentation, skin vascular and ocular anomalies. Melanin pigmentation on oral mucosa, traumatic lesions, gingival bleeding, dental biofilm and gingival alterations were the main oral manifestations that were found. Oral and clinical manifestations were not dependent on patient's sex. No significant statistical difference between females and males was detected. Dental anomalies were not remarkable either at clinical or at radiographic examinations. Although several dental anomalies were observed in patients with FA, the correlation between this disease was not established from this study. Panoramic radiographs showed agenesis, taurodontism, radicular anomalies such as dilaceration, tapering, and foreshortening. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that gingival alterations are associated with defective oral hygiene but not with hematologic conditions. It also helps elucidate oral manifestations of FA. These patients are living longer and need special dental care.

Focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck's disease): report of a case in a girl of Brazilian Indian descent.

Summary. Background. This report describes the case of a patient with focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH), a rare but distinctive entity of viral aetiology with characteristic clinical and histopathological features. Case report. The condition is usually seen in children and adolescents of American Indian and Eskimo background. Surgical removal of papillomatous lesions is the treatment of choice, either for aesthetic reasons, or when the lesions interfere with function or are readily traumatized. Recurrence and the site of new lesions are unpredictable, and continued review of the patient is often necessary. The patient described here has been followed for 24 months without recurrences or changes in the aspect of the remaining lesions. Conclusion. This case highlights a possible genetic predilection for FEH, since the patient is a descent of a Brazilian Xavante Indian.