Prognostic factors relating to the outcome of endodontic microsurgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of endodontic microsurgery and to examine prognostic factors related to healing. METHODS: The clinical records of all patients who had undergone endodontic microsurgery from 1997-2003 at the National Dental Centre of Singapore were examined. Teeth with a recall period of 1-2 years were selected. All surgical procedures, except for flap raising and suturing, were performed under a surgical operating microscope. Root-end cavities prepared with ultrasonic tips were filled with Intermediate Restorative Material (Caulk, Milford, DE) or mineral trioxide aggregate. Teeth were evaluated for clinical signs and symptoms after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated independently by 2 endodontists. RESULTS: Of 243 root-end surgeries performed, 93 were eligible for the study. Outcomes were categorized as healed, healing, or persistent disease; 78.5% of teeth were assessed to be healed or healing, and 21.5% had persistent disease. The percentages of healed and healing teeth for anterior and posterior root-end surgeries were 76.5% and 80.4%, respectively, with no significant difference in the procedures (P = .8). Ordinal logistic regression showed a higher likelihood of healing in females compared with males (P = .001) and maxillary anterior teeth compared with mandibular anterior teeth (P = .03). Preoperative probing depths of ≤3 mm were significantly associated with healing (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of modern endodontic surgical techniques resulted in 78.5% healed and healing teeth with a recall period of 1-2 years. Prognostic factors affecting successful healing include sex, tooth type, and preoperative probing depths.

The medical, functional and social challenges faced by older adults with intellectual disability.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the sociodemographic and clinical profile of older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Singapore. We studied the sociodemographic and clinical profile of older adults with ID and investigated factors associated with caregiver availability and identity in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population involved all adults with ID aged ≥40 years receiving services from the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), the largest such provider in Singapore. Information on sociodemographic and clinical profiles, functional status, and availability of caregivers were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires from guardians of older adults with ID. Descriptive characteristics were computed and chi-square and logistic regression identifi ed predictors of caregiver availability and identity. RESULTS: Participation was 95% (227/239). There were differences in client age, gender, and caregiver availability between recipients of residential and non-residential services (all P <0.05). Common comorbidities included hyperlipidaemia (17.6%), hypertension (15.9%), psychiatric diagnoses (16.3%) and epilepsy (10.6%). The majority were fully independent in basic activities of daily living, but only 21.1% were fully communicative. Only a small minority (9.4%) were exercising regularly. The majority (73.5%) of clients had a primary caregiver; almost equal proportions relied on either parents or siblings. Older client age was associated independently with the lack of a primary caregiver, independent of greater functional dependence and presence of medical comorbidities in the client. CONCLUSION: Older adults with ID have multiple medical, functional, and social issues. More can be done to support the care of this unique group of adults with special needs.