Real-world application of a smartphone-based visual acuity test (WHOeyes) with automatic distance calibration.

BACKGROUND: To develop and assess the usability of a smartphone-based visual acuity (VA) test with an automatic distance calibration (ADC) function, the iOS version of WHOeyes. METHODS: The WHOeyes was an upgraded version with a distinct feature of ADC of an existing validated VA testing app called V@home. Three groups of Chinese participants with different ages (≤20, 20-40, >40 years) were recruited for distance and near VA testing using both an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart and the WHOeyes. The ADC function would determine the testing distance. Infrared rangefinder was used to determine the testing distance for the ETDRS, and actual testing distance for the WHOeyes. A questionnaire-based interview was administered to assess the satisfaction. RESULTS: The actual testing distance determined by the WHOeyes ADC showed an overall good agreement with the desired testing distance in all three age groups (p>0.50). Regarding the distance and near VA testing, the accuracy of WHOeyes was equivalent to ETDRS. The mean difference between the WHOeyes and ETDRS ranged from -0.084 to 0.012 logMAR, and the quadratic weighted kappa (QWK) values were >0.75 across all groups. The test-retest reliability of WHOeyes was high for both near and distance VA, with a mean difference ranging from -0.040 to 0.004 logMAR and QWK all >0.85. The questionnaire revealed an excellent user experience and acceptance of WHOeyes. CONCLUSIONS: WHOeyes could provide accurate measurement of the testing distance as well as the distance and near VA when compared to the gold standard ETDRS chart.

Prevalence of refractive error within a Portuguese sample of optometric records

Purpose: Considering the burden of refractive error, clinical-based research methods are often used as epidemiological tools. This study aimed to generate evidence on the prevalence and distribution of refractive error in Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was designed to review optometric records from Portuguese practices during July 2021. Results 348 optometric records were analysed. Subjects had a mean age of 44.2 ± 19.2 years (range 6–81) and 58.4% were female. The mean spherical equivalent was myopic, −0.65 ± 2.38 Diopters (D), varying from a minimum of −13.63 to a maximum of 6.25 D. According to sex, the mean spherical equivalent was −0.76 ± 2.29 D for female and −0.49 ± 2.49 D for male, with no significant difference between them (p = .307). The distribution of the spherical equivalent mean across the age groups, linearly varies from a myopic −1.62 ± 1.74 D in the age group of [6 – 29]; −1.58 ± 2.80 D in [30 – 44]; −0.09 ± 2.40 in [45 – 59] to a hyperopic 0.67 ± 1.61 D in the group of [60 – 81]. High myopia had a prevalence of 2.7% in the sample. Myopia was the most prevalent refractive error in the sample representing 41.3%. In the age group [6–29], myopia had a prevalence of 69.3%. Hyperopia had a prevalence in the sample of 29.7%. Conclusions Myopia represents the most prevalent refractive error within the sample and is the prevalence is higher in the younger age groups, demonstrating a shift towards an increase of myopia in the next years. (AU)

Prevalence of refractive error in Portugal – A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyse epidemiological data of refractive error prevalence in Portugal. Methods A structured search strategy and systematic literature review was applied to multiple databases, such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, official organizations and academic repositorium's, to identify all relevant epidemiological studies in Portugal until February 2021. The outcome measure was the prevalence of refractive error among the Portuguese population. The events and sample size were entered as raw data and the effect size parameters were computed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Results A total of 9 studies were pooled for the meta-analysis. The fixed effects model points to an estimated effect size of 43% (95% CI: 41.9–44.1%). However, the statistics of heterogeneity (Q-value p < 0.001; I-squared =99.344) showed very high heterogeneity among studies and recommends using a random-effects model. The random effects model points to an estimated effect size of 31.9% (95% CI: 19.8–47.0%) prevalence of refractive error in the Portuguese population. Conclusions A prevalence of refractive error in Portugal of 31.9% (95% CI: 20.0–47.0%) can be considered as a conservative approach to the real burden of this condition. However, it translates into at least 2 to 4.5 million Portuguese individuals with a refractive error. The high heterogeneity between studies, the wide estimate and the random effects involved demonstrate the need for more studies and consistent sources to obtain narrower estimates. (AU)

Prevalence of refractive error within a Portuguese sample of optometric records.

PURPOSE: Considering the burden of refractive error, clinical-based research methods are often used as epidemiological tools. This study aimed to generate evidence on the prevalence and distribution of refractive error in Portugal. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was designed to review optometric records from Portuguese practices during July 2021. RESULTS: 348 optometric records were analysed. Subjects had a mean age of 44.2 ± 19.2 years (range 6-81) and 58.4% were female. The mean spherical equivalent was myopic, -0.65 ± 2.38 Diopters (D), varying from a minimum of -13.63 to a maximum of 6.25 D. According to sex, the mean spherical equivalent was -0.76 ± 2.29 D for female and -0.49 ± 2.49 D for male, with no significant difference between them (p = .307). The distribution of the spherical equivalent mean across the age groups, linearly varies from a myopic -1.62 ± 1.74 D in the age group of [6 - 29]; -1.58 ± 2.80 D in [30 - 44]; -0.09 ± 2.40 in [45 - 59] to a hyperopic 0.67 ± 1.61 D in the group of [60 - 81]. High myopia had a prevalence of 2.7% in the sample. Myopia was the most prevalent refractive error in the sample representing 41.3%. In the age group [6-29], myopia had a prevalence of 69.3%. Hyperopia had a prevalence in the sample of 29.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Myopia represents the most prevalent refractive error within the sample and is the prevalence is higher in the younger age groups, demonstrating a shift towards an increase of myopia in the next years.

Prevalence of refractive error in Portugal - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyse epidemiological data of refractive error prevalence in Portugal. METHODS: A structured search strategy and systematic literature review was applied to multiple databases, such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, official organizations and academic repositorium's, to identify all relevant epidemiological studies in Portugal until February 2021. The outcome measure was the prevalence of refractive error among the Portuguese population. The events and sample size were entered as raw data and the effect size parameters were computed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were pooled for the meta-analysis. The fixed effects model points to an estimated effect size of 43% (95% CI: 41.9-44.1%). However, the statistics of heterogeneity (Q-value p < 0.001; I-squared =99.344) showed very high heterogeneity among studies and recommends using a random-effects model. The random effects model points to an estimated effect size of 31.9% (95% CI: 19.8-47.0%) prevalence of refractive error in the Portuguese population. CONCLUSIONS: A prevalence of refractive error in Portugal of 31.9% (95% CI: 20.0-47.0%) can be considered as a conservative approach to the real burden of this condition. However, it translates into at least 2 to 4.5 million Portuguese individuals with a refractive error. The high heterogeneity between studies, the wide estimate and the random effects involved demonstrate the need for more studies and consistent sources to obtain narrower estimates.

Post-COVID-19 and the Portuguese national eye care system challenge / Post-COVID-19 y el desafío del sistema nacional portugués de atención oftalmológica

The pandemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), had profound impact in many countries and their health care systems. Regarding Portugal, a suppression strategy with social distancing was adopted, attempting to break the transmission chains, bending the epidemy curve and reducing mortality. These measures seek to prevent an eventual National Health Service over-running, enforcing the suspension of all elective and non-urgent health care. Despite the success in so far, there is a consensus on the need to recover the previous level of health care provision and further enhance it. The Portuguese National Health Service, as a public, universal access, health care system funded by the State proved, in this context, its importance and relevance to the Portuguese population. However, long standing issues, such as the pre pandemic over long waiting lists for hospital ophthalmology attendance, whose determinants are fully identified but still unmet, emerge amplified from this pandemic. The lack of primary eye care in the National Health Service is a significant bottleneck, placing a huge stress on hospital-based care. An exclusive ophthalmologist's center care was over-runned before pandemic and will be even more so. The optometrist's exclusion from differentiated, multisectoral and multidisciplinary eye care teams remains the main hurdle to overcome and insure universal eye care in Portugal. National Health Service highlights the consequences of an overcome model. Universal eye care more than ever demands an evidence-based, integrated approach with primary eye care, in the community, on time and of proximity

La pandemia del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave causado por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha tenido amplias repercusiones en muchos países y en sus sistemas sanitarios. En Portugal, se ha adoptado una estrategia de contención basada en el distanciamiento social, con la cual se ha intentado cortar las cadenas de transmisión, frenar la curva de la epidemia y reducir la mortalidad. Con estas medidas se trataba de evitar un eventual desbordamiento del Servicio Nacional de Salud y se imponía la suspensión de toda la atención médica programada, que no fuera urgente. A pesar del éxito logrado hasta este momento, existe consenso sobre la necesidad de recuperar el nivel anterior de atención médica y fomentar su mejora. El Servicio Nacional de Salud de Portugal, como sistema sanitario público y de acceso universal, a cargo del Estado, ha demostrado, en este contexto, su importancia y pertinencia para la población portuguesa. Sin embargo, los problemas que acarrea desde hace mucho tiempo, como las largas listas de espera, anteriores a la pandemia, en la asistencia oftalmológica hospitalaria, cuyos factores determinantes están completamente identificados, pero que continúan sin solución, se han visto agravados a resultas de esta pandemia. La falta de atención primaria oftalmológica en el Servicio Nacional de Salud es un importante cuello de botella, que ejerce una enorme presión en la atención hospitalaria. La atención de un centro exclusivamente oftalmológico estaba desbordada antes de la pandemia y lo estará aún más después de esta. La exclusión de los optómetras de los equipos de atención oftalmológica diferenciados, multisectoriales y multidisciplinarios continúa siendo el principal obstáculo que debe superar y asegurar la atención oftalmológica universal en Portugal. El Servicio Nacional de Salud hace hincapié en las consecuencias de un modelo superado. La atención oftalmológica universal exige, más que nunca, un enfoque integral basado en la evidencia para abordar la atención primaria oftalmológica en la comunidad, puntual y de proximidad

Post-COVID-19 and the Portuguese national eye care system challenge.

The pandemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), had profound impact in many countries and their health care systems. Regarding Portugal, a suppression strategy with social distancing was adopted, attempting to break the transmission chains, bending the epidemy curve and reducing mortality. These measures seek to prevent an eventual National Health Service over-running, enforcing the suspension of all elective and non-urgent health care. Despite the success in so far, there is a consensus on the need to recover the previous level of health care provision and further enhance it. The Portuguese National Health Service, as a public, universal access, health care system funded by the State proved, in this context, its importance and relevance to the Portuguese population. However, long standing issues, such as the pre pandemic over long waiting lists for hospital ophthalmology attendance, whose determinants are fully identified but still unmet, emerge amplified from this pandemic. The lack of primary eye care in the National Health Service is a significant bottleneck, placing a huge stress on hospital-based care. An exclusive ophthalmologist's center care was over-runned before pandemic and will be even more so. The optometrist's exclusion from differentiated, multisectoral and multidisciplinary eye care teams remains the main hurdle to overcome and insure universal eye care in Portugal. National Health Service highlights the consequences of an overcome model. Universal eye care more than ever demands an evidence-based, integrated approach with primary eye care, in the community, on time and of proximity.

La pandemia del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave causado por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha tenido amplias repercusiones en muchos países y en sus sistemas sanitarios. En Portugal, se ha adoptado una estrategia de contención basada en el distanciamiento social, con la cual se ha intentado cortar las cadenas de transmisión, frenar la curva de la epidemia y reducir la mortalidad. Con estas medidas se trataba de evitar un eventual desbordamiento del Servicio Nacional de Salud y se imponía la suspensión de toda la atención médica programada, que no fuera urgente. A pesar del éxito logrado hasta este momento, existe consenso sobre la necesidad de recuperar el nivel anterior de atención médica y fomentar su mejora. El Servicio Nacional de Salud de Portugal, como sistema sanitario público y de acceso universal, a cargo del Estado, ha demostrado, en este contexto, su importancia y pertinencia para la población portuguesa. Sin embargo, los problemas que acarrea desde hace mucho tiempo, como las largas listas de espera, anteriores a la pandemia, en la asistencia oftalmológica hospitalaria, cuyos factores determinantes están completamente identificados, pero que continúan sin solución, se han visto agravados a resultas de esta pandemia. La falta de atención primaria oftalmológica en el Servicio Nacional de Salud es un importante cuello de botella, que ejerce una enorme presión en la atención hospitalaria. La atención de un centro exclusivamente oftalmológico estaba desbordada antes de la pandemia y lo estará aún más después de esta. La exclusión de los optómetras de los equipos de atención oftalmológica diferenciados, multisectoriales y multidisciplinarios continúa siendo el principal obstáculo que debe superar y asegurar la atención oftalmológica universal en Portugal. El Servicio Nacional de Salud hace hincapié en las consecuencias de un modelo superado. La atención oftalmológica universal exige, más que nunca, un enfoque integral basado en la evidencia para abordar la atención primaria oftalmológica en la comunidad, puntual y de proximidad.

Competencies and training needs of the Portuguese optometrists - a national inquiry / Competencias y necesidades de formación de los Optometristas portugueses: encuesta a nivel nacional

PURPOSE: The World Health Organization places the Optometrist as the primary eye care provider, clearly defining its competencies and scope of practice. In Portugal, there are no studies about Optometrists professional competencies and the profession remains unregulated. The aim of this study was to describe the Portuguese optometrists' professional competencies model and to identify possible training needs felt. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was carried out, with the Portuguese optometric population as target group, ascertaining the level of academic qualifications, the clinical procedures most frequently performed, the training needs felt and the confidence levels in the performance of certain procedures. RESULTS: The 444 validated surveys represent 28.41% of the study population, making it a representative sample. The validated sample had 78.8% of Graduates, 20.5% of Masters and 0.7% of PhDs in Optometry. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study allowed us to conclude that the competences most frequently performed by Portuguese optometrists are a very reductive view of the internationally stipulated, based on Refraction, Basic Ocular Health Assessment, Contactology and Paediatric Optometry in School Age (>6 years old). The most important training needs occur at the level of Applied Ocular Pharmacology, Prismatic Prescription, Optometry in Special Needs Populations, Contactology in Special Cases, Low Vision and Clinical/Hospital Internship. Professional experience of 10 years or more and Master's/PhD qualifications give rise to more skills, higher levels of confidence and lower training needs. Higher frequency of execution of certain procedures translates into high levels of confidence and less training needs in the área

OBJETIVO: La Organización Mundial de la Salud considera al Optometrista como el profesional primario de la salud ocular, definiendo con claridad sus competencias y ámbito de práctica. En Portugal, no existen estudios sobre las competencias profesionales de los Optometristas, por lo que la profesión no está regulada. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el modelo de competencias profesionales de los optometristas portugueses, y identificar las posibles necesidades de formación constatadas. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una encuesta mediante empleo de cuestionario, cuyo objetivo fue la población optométrica portuguesa, verificando el nivel de titulaciones académicas, los procedimientos clínicos más frecuentemente utilizados, las necesidades de formación constatadas, y los niveles de confianza en la realización de ciertos procedimientos. RESULTADOS: Las 444 encuestas validadas representan el 28,41% de la población de estudio, lo cual supone una muestra representativa. La muestra validada incluyó un 78.8% de Graduados, un 20.5% de Titulados de Máster y un 0.7% de Doctores en Optometría. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio nos permitieron concluir que las competencias más frecuentemente realizadas por los optometristas portugueses constituyen una visión muy reductiva de las internacionalmente estipuladas, basándose en refracción, valoración básica de la salud ocular, contactología y optometría pediátrica en la edad escolar (> 6 años). Las necesidades más importantes en cuanto a formación se producen a nivel de Farmacología Ocular Aplicada, Prescripción Prismática, Optometría en poblaciones con necesidades especiales, Contactología en casos especiales, baja visión y Prácticas Clínicas/Hospitalarias. La experiencia profesional superior a 10 años, y la titulación de doctorado, redundan en una mayor competencia, niveles superiores de confianza, y menores necesidades de formación. Cuanto más elevada es la ejecución de ciertos procedimientos, mayores son los niveles de confianza, y menores las necesidades de formación en este área

Competencies and training needs of the Portuguese optometrists - a national inquiry.

PURPOSE: The World Health Organization places the Optometrist as the primary eye care provider, clearly defining its competencies and scope of practice. In Portugal, there are no studies about Optometrists professional competencies and the profession remains unregulated. The aim of this study was to describe the Portuguese optometrists' professional competencies model and to identify possible training needs felt. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was carried out, with the Portuguese optometric population as target group, ascertaining the level of academic qualifications, the clinical procedures most frequently performed, the training needs felt and the confidence levels in the performance of certain procedures. RESULTS: The 444 validated surveys represent 28.41% of the study population, making it a representative sample. The validated sample had 78.8% of Graduates, 20.5% of Masters and 0.7% of PhDs in Optometry. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study allowed us to conclude that the competences most frequently performed by Portuguese optometrists are a very reductive view of the internationally stipulated, based on Refraction, Basic Ocular Health Assessment, Contactology and Paediatric Optometry in School Age (>6 years old). The most important training needs occur at the level of Applied Ocular Pharmacology, Prismatic Prescription, Optometry in Special Needs Populations, Contactology in Special Cases, Low Vision and Clinical/Hospital Internship. Professional experience of 10 years or more and Master's/PhD qualifications give rise to more skills, higher levels of confidence and lower training needs. Higher frequency of execution of certain procedures translates into high levels of confidence and less training needs in the area.

The influence of glycemic control on the oral health of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of disease control, expressed by the mean values of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in the oral health of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study involving 87 children and adolescents (59 girls), 10 ± 2.6 years old. The participants were divided into three groups: HbA1c ≤ 8%, 8% < HbA1c ≤ 10% and HbA1c > 10%. The duration of the disease, age and average HbA1c were obtained from their medical records. Oral health was evaluated according to the following indexes: Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S); Community Periodontal Index (CPI); Decayed, Missing or Filled Teeth Index (DMFT/dmft) for permanent and deciduous teeth; and the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR). RESULTS: The median SSFR was 1.1 mL/min in the group with HbA1c ≤ 8%, 0.7 mL/min in the intermediary group and 0.6 mL/min in the HbA1c > 10% group. A significant decrease in salivary flow was observed with an increase in HbA1c (p = 0.007). The DMFT/dmft and CPI indexes were higher in individuals with higher HbA1c values. More caries-free individuals were found in the group with HbA1c ≤ 8% compared to those with HbA1c > 10%. The group with HbA1c > 10% exhibited more caries and bleeding gums than the other groups. HbA1c values in girls were higher than in boys. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with unsatisfactory glycemic control, represented by higher HbA1c concentrations, exhibited a higher frequency of caries and gingivitis, and a reduction in salivary flow.

The influence of glycemic control on the oral health of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the influence of disease control, expressed by the mean values of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in the oral health of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM). Subjects and methods A cross sectional study involving 87 children and adolescents (59 girls), 10 ± 2.6 years old. The participants were divided into three groups: HbA1c ≤ 8%, 8% < HbA1c ≤ 10% and HbA1c > 10%. The duration of the disease, age and average HbA1c were obtained from their medical records. Oral health was evaluated according to the following indexes: Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S); Community Periodontal Index (CPI); Decayed, Missing or Filled Teeth Index (DMFT/dmft) for permanent and deciduous teeth; and the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR). Results The median SSFR was 1.1 mL/min in the group with HbA1c ≤ 8%, 0.7 mL/min in the intermediary group and 0.6 mL/min in the HbA1c > 10% group. A significant decrease in salivary flow was observed with an increase in HbA1c (p = 0.007). The DMFT/dmft and CPI indexes were higher in individuals with higher HbA1c values. More caries-free individuals were found in the group with HbA1c ≤ 8% compared to those with HbA1c > 10%. The group with HbA1c > 10% exhibited more caries and bleeding gums than the other groups. HbA1c values in girls were higher than in boys. Conclusion Children and adolescents with unsatisfactory glycemic control, represented by higher HbA1c concentrations, exhibited a higher frequency of caries and gingivitis, and a reduction in salivary flow. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(6):535-40.

Sialolithiasis in the duct of submandibular gland: a case report in patient with epidermolysis bullosa.

AIM: To describe the options of treatment to remove a sialolith associated with the submandibular gland duct in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with EB is very complex and involves a multidisciplinary team. This condition is characterized by a spectrum of blistering and mechanical fragility of the skin. One main feature of this disease is the esophageal constriction and possible constriction to the submandibular duct. This alteration may induce the formation of calculi in this duct, which is called sialolith. Once the sialolith obliterates the trajectory of the duct this will lead to a sialolithiasis. The calculi have to be removed. CASE REPORT: Seventeen years old female patient with dystrophic EB developed a sialolith at the submandibular duct. She has a limited mouth opening and her tongue was collapsed with mouth floor. The first choice of treatment was the lithotripsy, once this procedure is less invasive and a surgical remove could worse the collapsed tongue. She was with acute pain and with a great augmentation in the submandibular area. Once the patient was debilitated and has difficult to swallow she invariably needed to be hospitalized in order to receive intravenous medication. During the hospitalization the sialolith could be seen through the opening of the duct and the calculi was removed with local anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The treatment of sialolithiasis usually does not present major challenges, nevertheless if the sialolithiasis is associated with EB, the treatment became an extremely challenge. In this particular case the option of treatment was the less invasive. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case report has an enormous clinical relevance once there is no protocol to treat patients with EB and buccal diseases.

Utilización de la placa palatina de memoria y desarrollo orofacial en infante con Síndrome de Down / Use of palatal plate and orofacial development in a child with Down's syndrome

Los infantes con Síndrome de Down presentan en general, hipotonía de la muscular, cierre labial incompetente, lengua flácida y protruida. La placa palatina de memoria, propuesta por Castillo Morales, induce el cierre bilabial y posicionamiento correcto de la lengua. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo evaluar el desarrollo orofacial, de una niña con Síndrome de Down, a través de terapia de estimulación precoz y utilización de placa palatina de memoria. Recibió tratamiento con placa palatina de memoria desde los 5 hasta los 15 meses y fue acompañada por un equipo multidisciplinario hasta los 6 años de edad. En el caso presentado, la terapia empleada permitió un desarrollo bucofacial adecuado, armónico y funcional. La utilización precoz de placa palatina de memoria demostró ser un complemento valioso en el programa multidisciplinario de atención a pacientes con Síndrome de Down(AU)

Babies with Down Syndrome (DS) present, in general, muscle hypotonia, insufficient mouth closure and protrusion of the tongue. The palatal plate therapy, submitted by Castillo Morales, induces the lip closure and the correct position of the tongue. The objective of this research was to evaluate the oral development in a girl with DS through early stimulation and use of palatal plate. She was treated with the palatal plate method from 5 to 15 months of age. She was followed-up by a multidisciplinary team until he was six years of age. In this case report, the palatal therapy allowed adequate, harmonic and functional oral development. The early treatment with palatal plate has shown to be a valuable supplement to the multidisciplinary program of care to Down's syndrome patients(AU)

Profile of Brazilian scientific research in pediatric dentistry based on the 26th Annual Meeting of the SBPqO / Perfil da produção científica brasileira na Odontopediatria baseado na 26ª Reunião da SBPqO

PURPOSE: To describe the Brazilian scientific research in pediatric dentistry in 2009 based on the 26th Annual Meeting of the SBPqO (Brazilian division of the IADR). METHODS: All studies on pediatric dentistry were selected from the abstracts presented at the 26th Annual Meeting of the SBPqO in 2009. They were assessed in terms of subjects, methodology and sampling units. RESULTS: Of the 2,648 abstracts presented, 7.7% were on pediatric dentistry, thereby representing the field with the 4th greatest participation in the meeting. The Southeast was the most productive region in Brazil, accounting for 70.1% of abstracts. A wide range of subjects were addressed: dental trauma (5.4%), diagnosis of dental caries (4.9%), diet and dental caries (4.4%), endodontic medication (4.4%), developmental enamel defects (3.4%), glass ionomer cement (3.4%), and dental care for pregnant women (3.4%). The cross-sectional design was the most prevalent type of study (52.5%), followed by in vitro studies (23.5%). Only 2.5% of the abstracts were randomized controlled trials. A total of 41.7% of the studies included children aged 0 to 11 years old, while 14.7% used human deciduous teeth. CONCLUSION: Pediatric dentistry played an important role in Brazilian scientific research in 2009, presenting a broad diversity of subjects and methodological approaches.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a produção científica brasileira na Odontopediatria em 2009, baseando-se na 26ª Reunião Anual da SBPqO (divisão brasileira do IADR). METODOLOGIA: Todos os estudos na área de Odontopediatria, selecionados a partir dos resumos apresentados na reunião, foram avaliados em termos de assuntos, desenho metodológico e unidades amostrais. RESULTADOS: Dos 2648 resumos apresentados, 7,7% corresponderam aos de Odontopediatria, representando a área com a quarta maior participação. A região sudeste foi a mais produtiva do país, sendo responsável por 70,1% dos resumos. Foram abordados assuntos bastante variados, sendo os mais prevalentes: traumatismo dentário (5,4%), diagnóstico de cárie dentária (4,9%), dieta e cárie dentária (4,4%), medicações endodônticas (4,4%), defeitos de desenvolvimento de esmalte (3,4%), cimento de ionômero de vidro (3,4%) e atendimento odontológico para gestantes (3,4%). Os estudos transversais foram os mais prevalentes (52,5%), seguidos dos estudos in vitro (23,5%). Apenas 2,5% dos resumos foram estudos clínicos controlados e randomizados. Um total de 41,7% incluíram crianças de 0 a 11 anos de idade e 14,7% utilizaram dentes decíduos humanos. CONCLUSÃO: A Odontopediatria desempenhou um papel importante na produção científica brasileira em 2009, oferecendo uma ampla diversidade de temas e abordagens metodológicas.